Andalusian Spain: This tag is for anyone who would like to share ideas on the Spain from 711-1600

Hi!

I thought I'd give you a few tips about what the modern day Spain was like.

The Moorish peoples would play a big part in the story if you had any military parts to it. During Ferdinand and Isabella's reign, they fought massive battles against the Muslim 'threat'. Granada, I believe, was the last major Moorish settlement to fall. You could also have some cameos from their children - Juan, Juana, Isabella, Caterina [Katherine of Aragorn] and Maria.

Another good idea would be to use the Jewish presence in Spain. That would encompass a lot of details abour Maranos, Ghettos and the Inquisition.

You could also mention the war of succession in Isabella's Castile. Joan the Bastard, Don Juan ect.

Feel free to shoot me requests for information if you'd like. These are just some ideas off the top of my head.
Alison

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Hey, I'm writing about the Iberian peninsula, too, but most of my story takes place north of the Andalusian/Castilian border.. Initially was going to cover the entire rule of Isabel, but decided that her rise to power would be enough - 1451 through about 1479. I've taken a history course or two on Spanish history, so I have a basis.

If I were going to write about things on the Moorish side of the border, some things I would find fascinating:

Toledo, and the Jews, Muslims, and Christians who gathered there to translate the Greek classics, igniting the Renaissance

the religious tolerance practice by the Moors (what a good lesson for Christians today!)

the economic renaissance as the Moors developed agriculture and architecture

Cordoba's heyday, and the breakdown of the Moorish kingdom into taifas (small kingdoms)

the treachery of Boabdil that helped Isabel and Ferdinand defeat Granada

the eviction of Jews in 1492, and the eviction of Muslims shortly thereafter

Wish you luck!

Thanks first for your comment and then for the suggestions. I am working on a much smaller scale. Just a little moreria in granadan and the stuff that is going on there. Grand themes make me dizzy

Just popping in to offer some words of encouragement; that happens to be one of my favourite regions/periods of all time! I'll keep an eye on this thread in case any questions come up that I actually know the answer to.