La Historia de España - From Antiquity to 1492

Flashcards covering the early history of Spain, including various invasions, the Roman era, the Visigothic period, the Moorish occupation, and the unification under the Catholic Monarchs.

Iberos

The first documented people in Spain, of Mediterranean origin, who inhabited the southeastern region of the peninsula.

Celtas

A people of Central European origin who entered northern Spain around $1.000$ B.C.; they were characterized as tall and blonde.

Celtiberos

The race formed by the union of the Iberians and the Celts.

Fenicios

Highly advanced navigators and merchants from North Africa who founded Cádiz and Málaga and introduced writing, currency, and metalworking to Spain.

Griegos

A merchant people who established colonies on the eastern coast in the 7th Century B.C. and introduced the cultivation of grapes and olives.

Cartagineses

A group that entered the peninsula in the 6th Century B.C. to assist the Phoenicians but eventually conquered them and a large part of the peninsula.

Aníbal

The famous Carthaginian general who led the siege of Sagunto in $219$ B.C.

Sitio de Sagunto

A nine-month siege in $219$ B.C. where the inhabitants chose to die rather than surrender to the Cartagineses.

Guerras Púnicas

The conflict in which Roman legions defeated the Carthaginians in the year $202$ B.C.

Sitio de Numancia

A siege in $133$ B.C. that lasted more than fifteen months, serving as a legendary example of Spanish heroism against Roman conquest.

Roman Influence

The foundation of the modern Spanish language, a system of laws, economic and social structures, and public works such as roads, bridges, and aqueducts.

Visigodos

A Germanic tribe that invaded Spain in the 5th Century A.D., ending Roman rule and establishing their government in Toledo.

Battle of Guadalete

A conflict in $711$ A.D. where the Muslims defeated King Rodrigo, the last Visigoth king.

Pelayo

The leader of a small Visigoth army who defeated the Moors at Covadonga (Asturias) in $718$ A.D., beginning the Reconquista.

Reconquista

An eight-century struggle between Moors and Christians that lasted from $718$ until $1492$.

Córdoba

The capital of the Moors and a cultural center where students studied mathematics, science, and medicine.

Alfonso X (el Sabio)

The Christian king of León who gathered Arab, Christian, and Jewish scholars in his court to study and teach.

El Cid Campeador

Also known as Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, an 11th-century hero who conquered Valencia in $1094$ and is the subject of the epic poem Poema del Cid.

Reyes Católicos

Isabel of Castilla and Fernando of Aragón, whose marriage in $1469$ unified Christian Spain and who completed the Reconquista.

Boabdil

The last Moorish king, who ruled the kingdom of Granada until its conquest in $1492$.

Santa Hermandad

An institution created by the Catholic Monarchs to protect the rural population from crime.

Inquisición

An institution reorganized by the Catholic Monarchs with the mission of maintaining religious unity in Spain.

$$1492$$

The pivotal year marking the end of the Reconquista with the conquest of Granada and the expulsion of all Jews from Spain.

Status quo

Keeping Roman ways or Muslim control

El latín

Roman language that became the base of Spanish

El Mediterráneo

Sea that helped trade and invasions into Spain.

Uva, oliva y trigo

Main crops (grapes, olives, wheat) important for Spanish food and farming.

Cristianos

People who fought the Muslims during the Reconquista.

Comercio

Buying and selling goods (very important for Phoenicians and Greeks).

Moros

Muslim people (Arabs and Berbers) who ruled much of Spain for 800 years.

Pirineos

Mountains that separate Spain from the rest of Europe.

Acueductos

Roman water channels/bridges that brought water to cities.

Leyes y gobierno

Roman laws and system of ruling that Spain still uses today.

Navegantes

Skilled sailors and traders (especially Phoenicians and Greeks).