​For almost 800 years, from 711 to 1492, the Moors, Arab Muslims from

northern Africa, occupied an area in southern Spain called Al-Andalus,

now known as Andalucía. This was a period of rich cultural exchange

in the arts, sciences, mathematics, agriculture, and architecture.

• ​Moorish civilization had a lasting influence on the music of Spain. The guitar may be derived from the oud, a type of lute and a classic Arab instrument. The word guitarra comes from the Arabic qithara.

• ​Olive seeds that date back 8,000 years have been found in Spain. The majority of olive trees grown in the country are found in Andalucía.

• The Moors brought many concepts and inventions to Spain. The Arabic words for many of these things still exist in Spanish. Often these words begin with al- or a-. Some examples are almohada, álgebra, algodón, and ajedrez.

• ​The Alhambra palace in Granada is a notable example of Moorish architecture in Spain.

​Moorish influences