Spanish History and Culture

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Iberian Peninsula

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The peninsula that contains Spain and Portugal. A peninsula is a landmass surrounded on three sides by water.

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Hidalgos

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Spanish nobility who owned large estates. The term comes from the Spanish words 'Hijo de Algo' - Son of Something, meaning son of something important.

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Conquest (Conquistar)

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To take over by military force.

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Conquistador

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In Spanish and Latin American history, this is what conquerors were called.

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The Second Son

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In Spanish nobility, everything was left to the first son, so the second son had to go out and make his own fortune. Many second sons became Conquistadors.

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Reconquista (Reconquest)

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In Spanish history, this was the time when the Spanish Christians 're-conquered', or took back, the Iberian Peninsula from Islamic rule after 800 years.

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Unification (Unificación)

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In Spanish history, this refers to the marriage of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, which unified Spain into one country.

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Bible and Sword

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The mentality of the Spanish Christian soldiers who believed God was on their side while fighting non-Christians. They fought with the sword and the Bible.

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Limpieza de Sangre

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The idea held by Spanish Christians that they would convert everyone to Christianity, ensuring everyone would have 'clean' Christian blood.

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Empire

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When a lot of countries are ruled over by a King or Queen,