Al-Andalus was the Arabic name for Moorish Iberia (Spain) which was under constant battle with Christian societies until the Portuguese Reconquista enabled Christians to seize control from the Muslims. The Reconquista was an almost 800 year period where Christian lands were retaken from Muslims starting in 718. After the last Moorish king was defeated, ending the Granada war, the Treaty of Tordesillas allowed Spain free reign over the Americas, resulting in vast wealth from gold and silver discoveries. The Spanish Empire was ruled by the House of Habsburg from 1506-1700, during which Spanish interests expanded in Italy and France due to conflicts between those nations.

1. The Spanish Empire David Napoli

2. Al-Andalus Al-Andalus

3. Al-Andalus Is the Arabic name given for Moorish Iberia (Spain) Was in constant battle with other Christian societies, however with the Portuguese Reqonquista the Christians were able to seize control from the Muslims Many scientific achievements were accomplished here, including medicine, geography, even windmills. Abbas Ibn Firnas even created the first parachute

4. Reconquista

5. Reconquista A period of almost 800 years covering the retaking of Christian lands from the Muslims Starting in 718, rising taxes began sow discontent and rebellion across Al-Andalus With the blessings of the pope, knights from all across Europe were encouraged to go fight the Muslims, and in turn it became a war of religion, pitting Christians against muslims in a war for dominance

6. The Spanish Empire

7. The Spanish Empire After 10 years of war, the last of the Moorish kings was defeated, ending the Granada war. The Treaty of Tordesillas allowed Spain free reign over much of the Americas This resulted in minimal and disappointing trade until large deposits of gold and silver were discovered and extracted, resulting in Spains holdings in over $1.5 Trillions in Gold and Silver. Henry II of France quickly renewed conflict with Spain, which Phillip II quickly and aggressively defeated

8. Habsburg Spain

9. Habsburg Spain A period of Spanish history from 1506-1700 when it was ruled by The House of Habsburg Ferdinand II of Aragon pursued a more aggressive stance, Pursuing interests alongside the French in Italy in 1509, then only a year later fighting against the French When King Henry II of France was killed during celebrations following the signing of the Peace of Cateau-Cambresis, France was plunged into civil war, allowing Spain to expand virtually un-opposed

10. The Spanish Golden Age

11. The Spanish Golden Age A period of time of increasing creativity in arts and literature While there is no exact date, many believe it started at the end of the Reconquista. Because the Habsburgs were patrons of the art, this allowed artists to flourish, and achieve their full potential Some of the most well known artists include El Greco who brought Italian renaissance painting to Spain, Diego Valzquez, and Jose De Ribera Another area of art that flourished was Architecture, with its own distinct style. Some of the best examples of this can be found in cathedrals, such as the Cathedral of Valladolid, and the Granada Cathedral Literature also had an increasing presence,with works such as Don Quixote, which was one of the first novels printed in Europe