Watch When the Moors Ruled in Europe

In When the Moors Ruled in Europe, Bettany Hughes takes us back in time to explore the forgotten history of the Moors and their impact on Spain and beyond during the middle ages. Through breathtaking reenactments and visits to historic sites across Spain and Morocco, Hughes paints a vivid picture of the Moors' legacy that still resonates today.

The movie opens with a brief overview of the Moors, who were Muslims from North Africa that swept across Spain in the 8th century and ruled for over 700 years. Hughes explains how these conquerors were not just military-minded, but rather they were also great architects, makers of music, poets, philosophers, and scientists. Their contributions were vast and varied, from introducing irrigation techniques to Spain to greatly advancing the study of medicine.

We are then introduced to a young man named Alfonso, a Spaniard who is part of a group of middle school students on a field trip. Through Alfonso, we see how the historical legacy of the Moors has been largely forgotten in modern-day Spain. As the film unfolds, however, we discover that the Moors left an indelible mark on the country, and indeed on Europe as a whole.

Hughes explains that the Moors' arrival in Spain in 711 AD was a turning point in European history. They brought with them schools of poetry, the art of calligraphy, the use of complex mathematical concepts, and a reverence for learning. This, in turn, led to a flourishing of knowledge and culture that would otherwise have been lost to history.

One of the key ways in which the Moors left their mark on Spain was through architecture. The film takes us on a tour of some of the greatest examples of Moorish architecture in Spain, including the stunning Alhambra palace in Granada, which was built in the 13th century. The palace is a testament to the Moors' love of intricate design and attention to detail. We also see the Great Mosque of Cordoba, which was one of the largest in the world at the time of its construction. It was later converted into a Roman Catholic church, but its Moorish features, such as the horseshoe arches and intricate tile work, remain intact.

Hughes also highlights the Moors' love of music, which was infused with poetry and often used in religious rituals. We get to witness a haunting performance of triste, a style of flamenco that has its roots in Moorish music and is still played in Spain today. We also see how the Moors' impact on music extended beyond Spain, as they were the first to combine the guitar with the oud, an instrument of Persian origin, to create the modern guitar.

The movie also delves into the Moors' impact on science and medicine. We see how they built the world's first hospitals and established the study of anatomy. They also created the first known surgical instruments and introduced the use of anesthesia. Hughes explains that the Moors' advancements in medicine were so great that Christian kings from across Europe would travel to Spain to seek treatment from Moorish doctors.

Through stunning visuals and expert commentary, When the Moors Ruled in Europe tells the story of a time when Muslims and Christians lived side by side, often in harmony. We see how their interactions led to a fruitful exchange of knowledge and ideas, and how this legacy still resonates today. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in Spanish or European history, as well as those curious about the enduring impact of Islamic culture on the Western world.

Overall, When the Moors Ruled in Europe is a fascinating exploration of a forgotten chapter in European history. It brings to life the rich culture and accomplishments of the Moors and underscores the importance of recognizing the contributions of cultures beyond our own.