Gone Medieval The Rise and Fall of Al-Andalus
Jan 24, 2025
Join Professor Brian A. Catlos, an expert in Islamic Spain, as he recounts the riveting saga of Al-Andalus. Discover the vibrant multicultural society where Muslims, Christians, and Jews flourished together. Learn about the remarkable advances in math, such as the introduction of Arabic numerals. Catlos also unveils the hidden power of women in this era and discusses the factors leading to the fall of the Emirate of Granada. The episode emphasizes both the rich legacy and the lessons from the rise and decline of this once-great civilization.
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Charlemagne's Not-So-Grand Invasion
- Charlemagne's invasion of Al-Andalus is romanticized in the Song of Roland.
- Historically, Charlemagne was invited by a rebelling Muslim ruler, then abandoned and attacked by Basques.
Al-Andalus: A Bridge of Knowledge
- Al-Andalus played a crucial role in transmitting knowledge from the Islamic world to Christian Europe.
- This transfer facilitated advancements influencing the Renaissance and Scientific Revolution, unlike Crusader interactions.
The Impact of Arabic Numerals
- Arabic numerals, including zero, were adopted from Al-Andalus.
- This adoption revolutionized mathematics in the West, enabling higher mathematics and even modern computing.
