711

North African commander Tariq ibn Ziyad leads Umayyad forces across the Strait of Gibraltar into Spain. Muslim forces defeat the Visigoth army, marking the beginning of Muslim rule in Iberia.

750 - 755

Umayyad prince Abd al-Rahman escapes the Abbasid Revolution and arrives in Spain, establishes leadership in Cordoba, and builds an independent state.

785

Abd al-Rahman begins construction of the Great Mosque of Cordoba.

929

Abd al-Rahman III declares himself caliph in Cordoba, challenging Abbasid and Fatimid claims of authority over Muslims.

1085

Alfonso VI of Leon-Castile takes control of the city of Toledo.

1086

Taifa (petty kingdom) rulers of Granada and Seville invite Almoravid ruler Yusuf ibn Tashufin to send forces from North Africa to prevent further losses to Christian forces. Al-Andalus comes under Almoravid rule.

1095

Pope Urban II launches the First Crusade.

1167

Almohad rulers succeed Almoravids in al-Andalus and build the Great Mosque of Seville.

1212

Combined Christian allies Castile, Aragon, Navarre, and Portugal defeat Almohads in the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa. Almohad power in Spain declines, leaving Andalusian cities vulnerable to conquest.

1238

The Nasrid dynasty rises to power in Granada.

1215

Pope Innocent III proclaims the crusade in Spain.

1152

Alfonso X, son of Fernando III, consolidates power in Iberia. Known as Al-Sabio, or “the Wise,” he orders Latin translations of Arabic works on medicine, astronomy, philosophy and other subjects.

1469

Isabel of Castile and Fernando of Aragon marry and combine their kingdoms.

1478

The Spanish Inquisition begins, targeting mainly Jews and Muslims.

1492

Boabdil, the last King of Granada, allies with Isabel and Ferdinand in rebellion against his father, leading to the fall of Granada.

1609

King Felipe III expels the Moriscos from Spain. Over 300,000 people are banished, including a third of Valencia’s population.