Historical Periods of the Reconquista
Nearly eight centuries of history divided into five distinct periods, from the first Christian resistance at Covadonga to the final fall of Granada.
Timeline of the Reconquista
Early Period
Formation of Christian Kingdoms
The birth of Christian resistance in the mountains of Asturias while Muslim Al-Andalus reached its cultural and political zenith under the Umayyad Caliphate.
Key Events
- •Battle of Covadonga (722)
- •Foundation of Kingdom of Asturias
- •Caliphate of Córdoba established (929)
- •Fall of the Caliphate (1031)
Historical Significance
Established foundations for Christian kingdoms
Taifa Period
Fragmentation & Christian Advance
Muslim unity collapsed into competing taifa kingdoms, allowing Christian forces to make major territorial gains including the conquest of Toledo and the rise of El Cid.
Key Events
- •Conquest of Toledo (1085)
- •El Cid conquers Valencia (1094)
- •Almoravid intervention
- •Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa (1212)
Historical Significance
Balance of power shifted to Christian kingdoms
Great Advance
The Christian Conquests
The most dramatic territorial expansion of the Reconquista, as Ferdinand III of Castile and James I of Aragon conquered vast territories, reducing Muslim control to Granada alone.
Key Events
- •Conquest of Córdoba (1236)
- •Conquest of Valencia (1238)
- •Conquest of Seville (1248)
- •Reconquest of Murcia (1264)
Historical Significance
Greatest territorial gains of the Reconquista
Nasrid Kingdom of Granada
The Last Muslim Stronghold
Granada survived as the last Muslim kingdom through tributary status, diplomatic skill, and internal divisions among Christian kingdoms, experiencing a cultural golden age.
Key Events
- •Nasrid dynasty established (1238)
- •Construction of the Alhambra
- •Granada pays tribute to Castile
- •Internal Christian conflicts delay final conquest
Historical Significance
Final remnant of Al-Andalus
Final Campaign
The Fall of Granada
The Catholic Monarchs Isabella and Ferdinand launched the final campaign to conquer Granada, employing superior artillery and exploiting internal Muslim divisions to complete the Reconquista.
Key Events
- •Marriage of Isabella & Ferdinand (1469)
- •Granada War begins (1482)
- •Fall of Málaga (1487)
- •Surrender of Granada (1492)
Historical Significance
Completion of the Reconquista
Understanding the Periods
The Reconquista was not a continuous military campaign but rather an 800-year process that evolved through distinct historical phases, each with its own character, challenges, and outcomes. Understanding these periods is essential to comprehending how a small Christian resistance in the mountains of Asturias ultimately reclaimed the entire Iberian Peninsula.
The Early Period saw the establishment of Christian kingdoms while Muslim Al-Andalus flourished. The Taifa Period marked the fragmentation of Muslim power and significant Christian gains. The Great Advance witnessed the most dramatic territorial conquests in just five decades. The Nasrid Kingdom represented a long stalemate as Granada survived for over two centuries. Finally, the Final Campaign saw the unified Spanish monarchy complete the reconquest.
Each period was shaped by political circumstances, military technology, religious fervor, economic factors, and the personalities of key leaders. Together, they tell the complete story of one of history's longest and most consequential conflicts.