The Moors have left an indelible mark on medieval Europe. One of the most significant events was their conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in 711 AD, which paved the way for their centuries-long rule over Spain. During their reign, the Moors introduced cultural, social, and political changes that transformed the region.
It’s worth noting that the term “Moors” doesn’t refer to a single, uniform group. Rather, it encompasses medieval Muslim residents of several areas, including Sicily, Malta, the Maghreb, and al-Andalus.
Despite their undeniable influence, many aspects of the Moors’ rule over Europe remain shrouded in mystery. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 15 lesser-known facts about the Moors in this article. By exploring these facts, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of their impact on European history and the enduring legacy of the Moors.
1. The 711 AD Moorish Invasion Was a Major Clash of Cultures
The 711 AD Moorish invasion was a pivotal moment in the history of Europe, marking a significant clash of cultures. For Christian Spain, the arrival of the Muslim Moors from across the Strait of Gibraltar represented an unprecedented threat, as their culture was entirely distinct and unfamiliar from anything they had encountered before.
However, this clash of cultures also gave rise to a new and unique set of traditions and customs. Even today, the Moors’ impact on Spain is still visible, evident in the country’s language, cuisine, and architecture.
Despite the hostility that characterized the initial conflict between Islam and Christianity, it ultimately served as a wellspring of inspiration, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to shape Spanish culture to this day. Thanks to the Moors, Spain has a rich cultural heritage that sets it apart from the rest of Europe, making it a fascinating destination for travelers and history buffs alike.
2. The Lead Character of Shakespeare’s Othello Is a Moor
Shakespeare’s Othello, or The Moor of Venice, is a play that revolves around the life of a noble Moorish General who serves in the Venetian army. This literary masterpiece serves as a testament to the fact that even during Shakespeare’s era, the Moors continued to be a source of fascination in Europe because of their unique appearance and culture.
Notably, the historicity of Othello also implies that the Moors were highly capable and skilled individuals who could attain prestigious positions regardless of their origins or religious beliefs. This is a significant revelation that challenges common misconceptions about the Moors and serves as a reminder of their contributions to European history and culture.
3. The Moors Introduced Numerous New Fruits and Vegetables to Europe
The Moors’ impact on Spanish cuisine is immeasurable. They introduced a vast array of fruits and vegetables that were previously unknown in both Spain and Europe, transforming them into exotic novelties. These items included lemons, oranges, peaches, apricots, figs, dates, pomegranates, saffron, cotton, rice, silk, sugar cane, and many others.
During the Middle Ages, these items were almost alien to the Spanish. However, today, centuries later, they have become staples of Spanish production and diet, integral to the country’s culinary identity. The Moors’ legacy in Spain lives on through its rich and diverse cuisine, a testament to their enduring influence on the country’s culture.
4. The Arabic Numerals We Use Today Were Brought to Europe by the Moors
Did you know that the numbers we use today originated in Arabic and were introduced to Spain by the Moors? These numbers were simpler and easier to use than Roman numerals and were quickly adopted. The Moors also introduced paper to Europe, which was a major development for the progress of European civilization, as parchment made of animal skins was the common writing medium in medieval Spain.
5. The Moors Were Several Steps Ahead of Medieval Europe
When the Moors conquered the Iberian Peninsula, they brought with them the advanced civilization of the Arabs, known for their architecture, science, mathematics, and exploration. Their arrival in Spain introduced architectural techniques that amazed European stonemasons, and one of the most impressive examples of Moorish architecture is the Alhambra, a palace complex and fortress located in Granada, Spain.
Construction of the Alhambra began in 1238 and its grandeur and beauty surpassed any similar palace of the time. Today, it remains one of the best-preserved palaces of the Islamic world, a testament to the Moors’ contribution to the field of architecture.
6. Chess Spread Throughout Europe Thanks to the Moors
Chess, an ancient game with a history of over 1,500 years, was first introduced to Europe in its current form by the Moors. Originating in India, chess spread to the Arabic world and was later brought to Spain by the Moors, where it quickly gained popularity and became a favorite pastime in Europe’s courts and society. In medieval Spain, chess was a game of strategy and patience, and the Catalonian Testament, dated back to 1010 AD, is the first written mention of chess in Spain.
7. The Moors Were Very Strict About Their Hygiene
The Moors were famously fastidious about cleanliness, with a popular adage stating that a Moor “would choose to go without bread rather than without soap.” Their culture and religious practices placed a high value on personal hygiene, leading to a preference for frequent bathing. In fact, the Moorish city of Cordoba boasted around 900 public baths, providing a means of sanitation during a time when plumbing and running water were scarce. Some historians even credit the Moors with introducing a primitive form of soap to Europe, ushering in a new era of hygiene.
8. Education Was Very Important to the Moors
The Moors prioritized education and made it available to everyone in their realm, which was uncommon in medieval Europe where only the wealthy nobles and clergy could access it. This led to a stark contrast between the illiterate population of Europe, which was about 90%, and the educated Moors. In Spain, the Moors built 17 universities, including those in Cordoba, Malaga, Granada, Seville, Toledo and Almeria, while some European Kings were unable to read or write.
9. The Moors Were Very Industrious
The Moors revitalized the old Roman irrigation systems they found in Iberia, leading to a surge in agricultural productivity and a boost in the economy. They also introduced and cultivated new crops such as lemons, oranges, figs, dates, and apricots, making Spain one of the largest producers of crops in Europe.
10. The Moors Had a Major Impact on the European Renaissance
The Moors brought a burst of color to medieval Europe with their arts, education, astronomy, mathematics, music, cuisine, and fashion. Their architecture was intricate and colorful, their food was rich with spices and flavors, and their music was exotic. The Moors greatly enhanced European culture with their unique contributions, infusing the region with artistic and cultural richness.
An Invasion That Brought Both Good and Bad
The Moors’ invasion of Iberia brought both positive and negative consequences. They revitalized Spain with their vibrant culture but also faced resistance from Spanish Christians, leading to the Reconquista and the eventual expulsion of the Moors. Despite this, the Moors’ impact on Spain’s architecture, agriculture, education, and culture remained, leaving a lasting legacy that still influences the country to this day.
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