Why might you find Arabic influence in southern Spain?

1 Answer
Apr 20, 2017

The Arabic Speaking Muslims ruled most of Spain for more than 700 years.

Explanation:

The Muslim Armies conquered Spain in 711 AD. The Muslim law made Arabic the official language of Spain. The Muslims made the Spanish speaking Christians second class citizens. Courts of law were conducted in Arabic.

The Reconquesta started in the north. The Christian kingdoms slowly reconquered land from the Islamic empire, starting in the north and moving south. The final fortress and Islamic Army in southern Spain was defeated in 1492.

The southern part of Spain remained under Islamic control longer than the other parts of Spain. Under Islamic law Arabic had a greater and longer influence in Southern Spain.