spanisharpoda

Pelayo (718-737)

He’s here! The hero of the Reconquista! Pelayo doesn’t want to pay taxes, but he also doesn’t want his sister to marry the Muslim prefect, and then he also has to save the Church! Come hear about the man of a thousand statues, an iffy genealogy, and a great pre-battle speech in Pelayo’s episode! ListenContinue reading “Pelayo (718-737)”

Anbasa (721-726)

Al-Samh’s humiliation by the Franks doesn’t stop Governor Anbasa from wanting to take a crack at Septimania, and even Burgundy! But . . . what’s that in the mountains of Asturias? Come hear about company men, wild honey eating, and a studious avoidance of Toulouse in Anbasa’s episode! Listen to Anbasa’s episode on Podbean CategoriesContinue reading “Anbasa (721-726)”

Al-Samh (719-721)

Al-Hurr couldn’t manage it, but Al-Samh is ready to take a crack at the Franks and make Septimania his own. Will he succeed? Come hear about censuses, a bridge, and William Henry Harrison in Governor Al-Samh’s episode! Listen to Al-Samh’s episode on Podbean Categories Conquistadores Al-Samh turns his attention back to the Franks! It’s beenContinue reading “Al-Samh (719-721)”

Al-Hurr (716-719)

Al-Hurr inherits a mess on the Iberian Peninsula, but he’s determined to make the most of it. Come hear about taxes, pocket protectors, and cleaning house in Governor Al-Hurr’s episode! Listen to Al-Hurr’s episode on Podbean Categories Conquistadores We do know, however, that al-Hurr is walking into a less than ideal situation. The peninsula hasContinue reading “Al-Hurr (716-719)”

Abd al-Aziz (714-716)

Musa’s son takes the reins from his father and becomes the second governor of Al Andalus! Hear about peace treaties, awkward marriages, and the return of the room of knives and poison in Abd al-Aziz’s episode! Listen to Abd al-Aziz’s episode on Podbean Categories Conquistadores Treaty of Tudmir: “In the name of God, the mercifulContinue reading “Abd al-Aziz (714-716)”

Musa (712-715)

Dive right in with us as we cover the life and rule of Spain’s first Muslim governor: Musa ibn Nusayr! Hear about Mua’s humble origins, breaking the chain of command, and a mysterious table in Musa’s episode! Listen to Musa’s episode on Podbean Categories Conquistadores Musa acquits himself well as governor of Ifrikiya; according toContinue reading “Musa (712-715)”

Background of the Caliphate/Muslim Governors

Names in Arabic I’m going to start this section with a disclaimer: I do not speak Arabic. I am going to do my best with pronunciations, but I am 100% open to corrections and I apologize in advance if I butcher a name. Ok, having said that, Arabic names, especially historical Arabic names,Continue reading “Background of the Caliphate/Muslim Governors”

Roderic (710-711/15)

At last we come to the end. Roderic is on the throne when the caliphate shows up, but how does he acquit himself? Hear about turban-wearing statues, treachery, and the almost-certainly-made-up figure of Ilyan and Florinda de la Cava in Roderic’s episode! Listen to Roderic’s episode on Podbean Categories Conquistadores I mean. He lost theContinue reading “Roderic (710-711/15)”

Witiza (694-710)

The petulant child is now an adult and ruling a country – but what actually happened during Witiza’s reign? Hear about the 18th Council of Toledo – or not -, the Great Portrait Switcheroo, and bishops getting laid in Witiza’s episode! Listen to Witiza’s episode on Podbean I’m going to be honest here, guys. IContinue reading “Witiza (694-710)”

Égica (687-702)

Égica is on the throne, and we know one thing: Boy, does he hate his in-laws. Hear about how many people is not enough to put into boiling water, the first instance of PLAGUE, and why the Byzantines are over in the West again in Égica’s episode! Listen to Égica’s episode on Podbean Categories ConquistadoresContinue reading “Égica (687-702)”