Spanish Literature in Translation

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Spanish Literature in Translation

• Fall 2005

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Early History

• Prehistory -Iberians Celts
• 5th Century B.C. - Greeks, Phoenicians,
• 4th Century B.C. - Carthaginians
• 3rd Century B.C. -
• Punic Wars between Romans and Carthaginians
• Romans begin conquest of Iberian penninsula

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Roman Spain - Roman contributions to Spain

• The Latin language
• Christianity
• Law
• Architecture
• Commerce and agriculture
• Education
• Status and respect

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Spanish contributions to Rome

• Material support for the empire
• Administrators and rulers
• Literary figures

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The Babarian Invasions

• Fall of the Roman Empire in 5th Century A.D.
• Suevi, Alani, and the Vandals
• 414 A.D. the Visigoths

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Characteristics of Visigothic Spain

• Continuation of Roman system
• Growth of the church and the hierarchy
• Vague concept of national unity and monarchy
• Three social classes
• Literature, language and culture

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The Arab Invasion

• Invasion in 711 by Tarik
• Roderick (Don Rodrigo) the last Visigothic king
• 711-1492 The Reconquest

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The Moorish Presence in Spain

• Aabderramán (912-961)
• Almanzor (914-1002)
• Caliphate of Córdoba util the 10th Century
• Territorories subdivided in succeeding centuries
  into smaller areas or taifas
• Architecture flourished in the large cities of
  southern Spain
• Agriculture and industry promoted
• Cultural styles brought from the Arab sphere

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The Arab Presence in Spain continued

• A general policy of tolerance
• Oriental literature and philosophy influenced
  Moorish and Christian Spain
• A flourishing civilization in Spain while Europe
  was in the Dark Ages

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The Jews

• Jewish Influence Vital to an Understanding of
  Medieval Spain
• Hebrew Tradition Flourished
• Moses Maimonides - great philosopher from Córdoba
• Jewish presence in Toledo since before Romans