The Glittering Ornament of the World

Greg Jenner is joined by Prof Amira Bennison and comedian Fatiha El-Ghorri to learn about Al Andalus.

From 711 to 1492, a significant amount of the Iberian peninsula – modern day Spain and Portugal – was ruled by a succession of Islamic rulers.

This era was a golden age as people and customs were imported from as far away as Iraq and North Africa to mix with what already existed on the Iberian peninsula.

The short distance between North Africa and Western Europe at the Strait of Gibraltar has meant there has been a constant interchange and exchange across the centuries.

But how did this process of raiding, trading and invading create some of the most sophisticated and populous cities of early Medieval Europe?

Research by Jessica Honey Written by Emma Nagouse, Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Greg Jenner Produced by Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner Assistant Producer: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow Project Management: Isla Matthews Audio Producer: Steve Hankey

You’re Dead To Me is a production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.