Exploring Roman history in Andalucia, Spain

I hadn’t realised there were so many ancient Roman sites in southern Spain until I drove around Andalucia... https://www.worldwidewriter.co.uk/baelo-claudia-and-carteia-andalucia-spain.html

And Islamic/Arabic! We don't typically think about the Arab-Islamic-Moorish occupation of Spain. We think of Spanish Spain but the fact is-most of Spain was ruled by Muslims for six-eight centuries (depending on which region you were in-the re-conquest of Spain by the Christians started between sixth and eighth century and some cities held on longer than others). Spain was Muslim kingdoms almost longer than it has been Spain (it was the Iberian Peninsula back then when the Muslims invaded). The name Andalucia actually comes from the Arabic 'Al-Andalus'. Between the famous mosques and alcazas and alcazabas in Cordoba, Sevilla and Granada and the influences left imprinted on the Spanish language and culture you will find much to be fascinated with if in Andalucia!

You're absolutely right - it's all part of what makes the region so fascinating. The Moorish influence is very evident in the great buildings of the Andalucian cities, and you can find good Moroccan food too! As far as names are concerned, the name of Gibraltar on the south of the peninsula comes from Jabal al-Tariq (mountain of Tariq, a Moorish leader).

@worldwidewriter I Just love learning SO much about every country the longer I stay. Even regionally there is so much!

I don't know how people can go in and out of countries only spending a few days in a major city-and say they've 'seen' it. Are you still in Spain currently? I live there but I'm away for month of April, in Bulgaria

Hi - no I'm not in Spain at the moment (pity, given the miserable British weather...). But hoping to get back there in the autumn. I so agree about spending more time in a place to see it properly - lucky you, being in Spain most of the time!

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