The Basilica of San Isidoro

In the 11th century, the Muslim holdings fractured into rival Taifa states (Arab, Berber, and Slav),[41] allowing the small Christian states the opportunity to greatly enlarge their territories.[39] The arrival from North Africa of the Islamic ruling sects of the Alm

oravids and the Almohads restored unity upon the Muslim holdings, with a stricter, less tolerant application of Islam, and saw a revival in Muslim fortunes. This re-united Islamic state experienced more than a century of successes that partially reversed Christian gains.

The Basilica of San Isidoro, León
The Reconquista (Reconquest) was the centuries-long period in which Christian rule was re-established over the Iberian Peninsula. The Reconquista is viewed as beginning with the Battle of Covadonga won by Don Pelayo in 722 and was concurrent with the period o

f Muslim rule on the Iberian Peninsula. The Christian army’s victory over Muslim forces led to the creation of the Christian Kingdom of Asturias along the northwestern coastal mountains. Shortly after, in 739, Muslim forces were driven from Galicia, which was to eventually host one of medieval Europe’s holiest sites, Santiago de Compostela and was incorporated into the new Christian kingdom.