How Long Did the Moors Rule in Spain?

The Moors—Muslim inhabitants of the Maghreb, Iberia, Sicily, and Malta—ruled parts of Spain for nearly 800 years, from 711 to 1492. The period began with the Umayyad conquest of Hispania and ended with the fall of the Emirate of Granada to the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella.

This era, known as Al-Andalus, left a profound legacy on Spanish culture, architecture, language, agriculture, science, and philosophy. Iconic monuments like the Alhambra in Granada, the Mezquita in Córdoba, and the Giralda in Seville stand as testaments to this influential period.