Medieval Spain and Russia

Spain

Located on the Iberian Peninsula

Formerly part of the Roman Empire

Islam spread to Spain, but was halted at the Battle of Tours

The Reconquista

Spanish Christian rulers slowly expanded territory

The marriage of Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile unified Spain under Christianity

Christians in complete control of Spain by 1492 C.E.

Legacy of Spain

Muslims and Jews were forced to leave Spain

Christopher Columbus was hired by Ferdinand and Isabella to find a faster sea route to the West Indies—instead, he discovered the Americas

The Spanish Empire expanded into the New World. Phillip II of Spain ruled the empire at its height

Russia

Founded by the Vikings (The Rus) who converted to Greek Orthodox Christianity

Capital city of Kiev overrun by the Mongols (The “Mongol Yoke”)

Mongols rule with tolerance

Ivan the Great

Defeated the Mongols

Centralized power and expanded territory

All power rested with the Tsar (king)

PicturesMap of Spain

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/maps/1492spain.jpg

Ferdinand and Isabellahttp://www.powellhistory.com/art/Painting/Columbus%20before%20Isabella%20and%20Ferdinand.gif

St. Basil’s Cathedralhttp://loveandgrace.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/350px-st_basils_cathedral-500px.jpg

Mongol Empire Maphttp://chinggiskhanfound.com/images/Mongol%20Empire%20Map.jpg

Ivan the Greathttp://www.edunetconnect.com/cat/timemachine/images/ivan.jpg