Who were the key actors in the final stages of Muslim rule in Spain?

The key actors in the final stages of Muslim rule in Spain were the Nasrid Dynasty, Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain.

The Nasrid Dynasty, the last Muslim dynasty in Spain, played a significant role in the final stages of Muslim rule. They ruled the Emirate of Granada from 1230 until 1492, when the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella conquered Granada, marking the end of Muslim rule in Spain. The Nasrids were known for their architectural achievements, including the Alhambra palace, and their attempts to maintain Muslim rule in the face of Christian Reconquista.

Ferdinand and Isabella, known as the Catholic Monarchs, were also key actors in this period. They united their kingdoms, Aragon and Castile, through marriage, creating a powerful Christian force. Their reign marked a turning point in the Reconquista, the Christian effort to retake Spain from Muslim rule. They launched a successful campaign against the Nasrid Dynasty, culminating in the surrender of Granada in 1492. This marked the end of Muslim rule in Spain and the beginning of a unified Spanish kingdom under Christian rule.

Another key actor was Pope Sixtus IV, who granted Ferdinand and Isabella the title of "Catholic Monarchs" and supported their campaign against the Nasrids. His papal bull of 1478 also authorised the establishment of the Spanish Inquisition, which played a significant role in the repression of Muslims and Jews in Spain following the end of Muslim rule.

The final stages of Muslim rule in Spain were also influenced by external factors, such as the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans were expanding their territory in the Mediterranean during this period, posing a threat to Christian Europe. This may have motivated Ferdinand and Isabella to consolidate their power and end Muslim rule in Spain.

In conclusion, the key actors in the final stages of Muslim rule in Spain were the Nasrid Dynasty, Ferdinand and Isabella, Pope Sixtus IV, and the Ottoman Empire. Their actions and interactions shaped the end of Muslim rule and the beginning of a new era in Spanish history.