Spanish History, Literature, and Golden Age Culture

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering Spanish history, 1492 events, literature, and the Spanish Golden Age (Siglo de Oro).

Three Pillars of 1492

The key foundations established in Spain following major 1492 events: political unity (unidad política), cultural unity (unidad cultural), and the country's expansionist drive (empuje expansionista).

Antonio de Nebrija

The author of "Gramática Castellana," whose work reflected the political and cultural unity that the Spanish Empire aimed to establish.

Al-Andalus

The name given to the Iberian Peninsula under Muslim rule.

Boabdil el chico

The full name of the ruler who surrendered Granada to the Catholic Monarchs on January 2, 1492.

Río Guadalete

The river near which the struggle against Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula began on Thursday, April 30, 711.

Reconquista Duration

The campaign against Muslim rule in Spain, which lasted 7 centuries, 80 years, and 2 days before the expelled Muslims migrated toward the African continent.

El Generalife

The palace complex and historic gardens located in Granada.

Los Reyes Católicos

The Catholic Monarchs, consisting of Rey Fernando II de Aragón and Isabel I de Castilla.

Cristóbal Colón

The explorer who voyaged to regions corresponding to present-day South America, North America, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Miguel de Cervantes

The Spanish author famous for writing "El ingenioso hidalgo don Quijote de la Mancha."

Lope de Vega

Renowned playwright (1562–1635) known for his comedies, including "Fuenteovejuna" and "El caballero de Olmedo."

Corral de Comedias (Almagro)

A historic theatrical courtyard built in the town of Almagro at the beginning of the 17th century.

Mosqueteros

The common spectators from the general public who attended theatrical corral performances.

El Greco

The painter Domenikos Theotokopoulos (1541–1614), who painted "El entierro del conde Orgaz" in 1586.

Diego Velázquez

Prominent Spanish painter who lived from 1599 to 1660 and created the masterpiece "Las Meninas."

Pedro Calderón de la Barca

Spanish Golden Age dramatist who lived between the years 1600 and 1681.

Francisco de Quevedo

Baroque poet who lived between 1580 and 1645.

Luis de Góngora

Prominent Cordoban poet who lived between 1561 and 1627.

Esteban Murillo

Important Sevillian painter who lived between 1617 and 1682.

El entierro del conde Orgaz

A 1586 masterpiece by El Greco located in the Church of Santo Tomé in Toledo, illustrating the legendary burial of Don Gonzalo Ruiz de Toledo.

Don Gonzalo Ruiz de Toledo

The Count of Orgaz (buried in 1323) who funded the reconstruction of the Church of Santo Tomé in Toledo.

San Esteban and San Agustín

The two saints who, according to legend, descended miraculously from heaven to bury the Count of Orgaz.

Las Meninas

A 1656 painting by Diego Velázquez in which King Felipe IV and Mariana de Austria are shown reflected in the background mirror.

Juan de Herrera

The head architect responsible for the design and construction of El Escorial.

El Escorial

A royal complex situated in the Sierra de Guadarrama that took 21 years to build and was completed in 1584.

Rey Felipe II

The King of Spain under whose reign Portugal was incorporated into the Hispanic Monarchy in 1580, and whose death was followed by over half a century of artistic splendor.