Cordewa
Cordova, also spelled Cordoba, is a historic Spanish city. It is one of the major cities of Andalusia, situated in the southern region of Spain.
Cordova was allied, according to the Alliterative Morte Arthure, with the Roman Procurator Lucius. The “Captain of Cordova” was captured by Arthur’s Sir Clegis (Cleges) during the Roman War.
Cordova | 0 to the 9th century AD
Roman Period
In the second century BC, it was founded as a Roman settlement known as Colonia Patricia Corduba. It became an important administrative and commercial center and capital of the Roman province of Hispania Ulterior Baetica. It thrived as a political, economic, and cultural center during the Roman Empire.
Corduba was renowned for its intellectual and cultural life during the late Roman period. It was home to prominent Roman philosophers, poets, and scholars, contributing to its reputation as a center of learning.
Visigothic Rule | 5th – 8th centuries
With the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD, Córdoba came under the rule of the Visigothic Kingdom, a Germanic kingdom that encompassed much of the Iberian Peninsula. The Visigothic period saw the construction of churches and fortifications, reflecting the influence of Christianity.
Corduba had a thriving Jewish community during this time. Jews played a significant role in trade, finance, and intellectual pursuits. The Jewish Quarter, known as the Judería, grew and prospered during the Visigothic period.
Byzantine Influence
In the sixth century, the region experienced brief Byzantine influence during the reign of Emperor Justinian I. However, this influence was not long-lasting.
Islamic Conquest and the Umayyad Caliphate of Cordova
In 711 AD, Corduba was conquered by the Umayyad Caliphate, marking the beginning of Islamic rule in the region. The city became the capital of the Umayyad Emirate and later the Umayyad Caliphate of al-Andalus (Islamic Iberia).
During the Islamic rule, Cordova witnessed a period of great architectural splendor. The most iconic landmark of this time is the Great Mosque of Córdoba, also known as the Mezquita. Originally a Visigothic church, it was later converted into a mosque and expanded to become one of the largest mosques in the world.
Cultural Flourishing
Cordova under Muslim rule was characterized by a period of cultural, scientific, and artistic flourishing. The city became known for its libraries, educational institutions, and scholars who made significant contributions to various fields.
Fragmentation and Decline | 11th century
By the eleventh century, internal conflicts and fragmentation weakened the Umayyad Caliphate of Cordova. The caliphate broke into smaller taifas (city-states), leaving Cordova susceptible to the Christian Reconquista.
Reconquista and Christian Rule | 13th century
Cordova was captured by King Ferdinand III of Castile in 1236 as part of the Christian Reconquista. The city subsequently came under Christian rul, ending centuries of Islamic governance.
See also
Goths | The Legend of King Arthur
The Roman Empire | The Legend of King Arthur
Source
Alliterative Morte Arthure | c. 1400