May 1 From Roman civilization to Al Andalus to the European "Dark Ages"

Next week, we are moving on to the High Middle Ages. Also, in May, we will take a look at a few defining topics in the Late Middle Ages. If you have time, read the lectures that match the remaining timeline topics.

In the study of history, as with many other academic subjects, nothing is settled. Though we are using mainly the lectures of Prof. Daileader, a respected historian, we should not think that neither he nor any teacher, not even, ahem, me,  has brilliantly settled all questions. The prof's explanation of how and why Islam conquered half the Christian world barely touches on some key facts, such as the Viking/Muslim slave trade. 

Today, we'll look at some facts regarding "Al Andalus" that must be considered. By the way, Daileader is considered a moderate, mainstream historian. Keep in mind as you continue your studies that it is necessary to always look for different views; sometimes valid information comes from a very few 'unpopular' individuals. Copernicus, the astronomer who challenged the church view about the sun revolving around the earth, is a case in point.

Historians have long debated the question “Why (and how) did the Roman Empire fall?” The last emperor in the West, 16 year old Honorius, was deposed in 476, yet it is known that Roman civilization continued to flourish throughout the empire until approximately the mid-seventh century. .

But Roman civilization flourished for much longer in Visigothic Spain and other provinces. That being true, how can we understand the collapse of civilized Europe into the "dark ages" of feudalism? (You don't have to answer this for homework but you need to do some research on the term "feudalism". Prof Daileader's lecture and wikipedia will do. Should take you no more than half an hour)

Understanding what really happened in Islamic Spain may hold the key to understanding how Western Christendom fell from high civilization into centuries of 'feudal dark ages'.

Most historians claim that Muslim controlled Spain—“Al Andalus”---enjoyed a Golden Age of multicultural harmony and advanced learning. 

However, a few historians, like Raymond Ibrahim (Sword and Scimitar) and Bill Warner (the jihad map) disagree. They have completely different answers to the questions about the collapse of the Roman Empire into the feudal "dark ages" and whether there ever was a "golden age" in Islamic Spain.

Do not post answers for homework. I'll Kahoot you on these questions and on some details from Raymond Ibrahim's interview next Friday.

1. In what year did the Muslims first attack and then rapidly conquer Christian Spain? 
2. For how long did the Muslims dominate Spain? 
3. What is the reconquista? When did it begin and end?
4. How many times does Prof. Daileader use the words “Muslim” “Islam” “jihad” or “sharia” in the lecture?
5. What are a important few facts about "Al Andalus" that Ibrahim mentions?