Spain and Portugal 1453 CE

What is happening in Spain and Portugal in 1453CE

In 1229 the Almohads abandoned Spain, and Muslim Spain again became divided amongst several small emirates. This allowed the Christian kingdoms to make good progress in their “Reconquesta”, and the Muslims are now confined to one state, Granada. Isolated though it is, Granada, with its court located in the magnificent Alhambra palace, is the centre of a brilliant Islamic culture.

Castile and Aragon are now the leading Christian kingdoms in Spain. Aragon has become a major maritime power in the Mediterranean, having gained control of the Balearic Islands, Sicily and Sardinia. Castile has merged with Leon to become the dominant military power within Spain itself. In both kingdoms, much of their territory has been taken from the Muslims, as is the case also in Portugal.

In Portugal, this is the age of Prince Henry the Navigator. Under his guidance, numerous expeditions have been sailing down the west coast of Africa, probing further and further south. Portuguese ships have by now reached the coasts of West Africa. They are laying the foundations to the great age of European exploration, which will eventually transform the entire world.

Next map, Spain and Portugal in 1648