Battles & Key Events

Explore the decisive battles and pivotal moments that shaped the Reconquista, from the Umayyad conquest in 711 to the fall of Granada in 1492.

Christian Victory

Muslim Victory

Political Event

711

Umayyad Conquest of Hispania

Tariq ibn Ziyad crosses the Strait of Gibraltar with a Muslim army, defeating Visigothic King Roderic.

Beginning of Islamic rule in Iberia

722

Battle of Covadonga

Pelayo leads Asturian rebels to victory against Umayyad forces in the northern mountains.

Symbolic beginning of the Reconquista

756

Emirate of Córdoba Established

Abd al-Rahman I establishes an independent Umayyad emirate in Al-Andalus.

Beginning of the golden age of Islamic culture in Spain

929

Caliphate of Córdoba

Abd al-Rahman III declares himself caliph, establishing the Caliphate of Córdoba.

Height of Islamic civilization in Iberia

1031

Fall of the Caliphate

The Caliphate of Córdoba fractures into multiple independent taifa kingdoms.

Weakening of Muslim unity allows Christian advances

1085

Conquest of Toledo

Alfonso VI captures Toledo, the former Visigothic capital.

Major turning point demonstrating growing Christian power

1212

Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa

Combined Christian forces decisively defeat the Almohad Caliphate.

Marks the beginning of the end for Muslim rule in Iberia

1236

Conquest of Córdoba

Ferdinand III of Castile captures Córdoba, the former capital of the Caliphate.

Symbolic victory reversing Muslim dominance

1248

Conquest of Seville

Ferdinand III captures Seville after a 16-month siege.

Only Granada remains under Muslim control

1469

Marriage of Isabella and Ferdinand

Isabella of Castile marries Ferdinand of Aragon, uniting Spain's two largest kingdoms.

Creates the unified Spanish monarchy

1492

Fall of Granada

The Catholic Monarchs capture Granada, the last Muslim stronghold in Iberia.

End of the Reconquista after nearly 800 years

Historical Figures

Discover the kings, warriors, and leaders who shaped the course of the Reconquista.

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Historical Periods

Understand the distinct phases that defined nearly eight centuries of history.

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