Spanish 42 UCLA Midterm Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How is the Córdoba mosque representative of the idea that one can read different layers of history in one and the same building?

The Córdoba mosque has Roman and Visigothic columns, showing a mixture of architecture as the Arabs reused existing structures to build new states.

What do we mean when we say that Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals were like 'books' aimed at the period's illiterate population?

The stories were told through the architecture, statues, and carvings that were known to most people.

Explain how terms such as 'harmonious coexistence' and 'convenience' express different views on the way Christians, Muslims, and Jews interacted in Medieval Iberia.

During this period, Christians allowed Jews and Muslims to maintain their beliefs, paying additional taxes, which led to conversions influenced by convenience.

Explain why, according to Ruiz (2002), interreligious conflicts in Medieval Iberia often conceal issues of class and conflicts between city governments and the king.

This question is open-ended and looks for a detailed analysis. Signup and view all the answers

What do we call estrado and why did it become central to Iberia's identity as a society marked by otherness?

Estrado comes from Muslim culture and was used by women for various domestic activities. It reflects a blend of cultures in Iberia. Signup and view all the answers

What do we mean when we speak of Medieval Iberia's 'Mudéjar character' (or Mudejarismo)?

Mudejarismo refers to the intertwined identities and cultural exchanges between Christians and Muslims, complicating notions of cultural appropriation. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main characteristics of Gothic architecture?

Gothic architecture is characterized by pointed arches, high ceilings, flying buttresses, and large stained-glass windows. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main characteristics of Romanesque architecture?

Romanesque architecture features rounded arches, vaulted ceilings, heavy massive walls ornately decorated, and small windows. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main characteristics of Islamic/Mudejar architecture?

Islamic/Mudejar architecture includes horseshoe arches, lattice windows, Mudejar ceilings made of wood, geometric shapes, wooden domes, tilework, colored ceramics, and decorated bricks. Signup and view all the answers

What lies the distinction between Prehistory and History?

Pre-history starts with the invention of tools made of stone, while History starts with the invention of record-keeping methods (writing). Signup and view all the answers

Explain the object shown in the picture, its creator, where it is located, and its significance.

The object is a depiction of bison/cows believed to have spiritual meaning used in initiation rituals for hunters, located far from the entrance of the caves of Altamira and created 12000-15000 years ago by Paleolithic people. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the ancient peoples that established colonies in Iberia before conflicts with the Romans?

The Greeks and Phoenicians established trade cities which were trade posts rather than colonies meant for conquering land. Signup and view all the answers

What sources provide knowledge about the Celts and the Iberians?

Written testimonies from Greek and Roman historians, material culture artifacts, and linguistic studies of inscriptions and toponyms. Signup and view all the answers

What do we know about the language of the Iberians?

Iberians used the language of other people, had multilingual inscriptions, and their language was written in Iberian, Latin, and Greek scripts. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the characteristics of cities in Roman 'Hispania'.

Cities were inspired by military encampments, surrounded by walls, arranged in a grid structure, and included features like sewers, public baths, and theaters. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Aqueduct of Segovia?

The Aqueduct of Segovia, built around 112 CE, is 9.3 miles long, ensuring water supply for towns in the Roman world. Signup and view all the answers

What are the most important elements of Rome's legacy to Spain?

Language (Latin), law, religion (Christianity), architecture, infrastructure (cities, roads, aqueducts), and agricultural influences. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Visigoths?

The Visigoths were Germanic people who conquered the northwestern territories of Iberia, establishing Toledo as their capital and integrating Roman culture. Signup and view all the answers

What is the historical truth behind the Arab and North-African Berber invasion of Iberia in 711?

The invasion was preceded by a civil war, which made Iberia easier to conquer; Islamic forces established alliances with local elites. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the building in the image related to Cordoba.

The Cordoba mosque has a forest of 856 columns and was built by Visigoths in 785-786, later expanded by Muslims. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the terms 'dhimmis', 'morería', 'judería', and 'aljamas' in Medieval Iberia.

Dhimmis were protected non-Muslims paying taxes, morería referred to the Muslim community in Christian cities, judería were Jewish communities in Christian cities, and aljamas were self-governing communities of Moors and Jews under Christian rule. Signup and view all the answers

What do the terms muwallad/muladi and mozarab refer to?

Muwallad/muladi are partially Arabic heritage Christians who converted to Islam, while mozarab are Christians living under Muslim rule who did not convert. Signup and view all the answers

What type of arches were used in the building shown in the image?

The Cordoba mosque used round (Roman), horseshoe (Visigothic and Islamic), and polylobed arches. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Almoravids and the Almohads?

The Almoravids helped Muslim taifas against Christians; the Almohads succeeded them and established Sevilla as their capital. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Alhambra and its significance?

The Alhambra of Granada, built in the 14th century, features elements like muqarnas and arabesques, representing Islamic art and architecture. Signup and view all the answers

How was society divided in Medieval Christian Iberia?

Society was divided into layers, with Christians ruling, Jews fulfilling economic roles, and Muslims coexisting in a system known as convivencia. Signup and view all the answers

How does the history of Medieval Iberia influence present languages spoken there?

The Iberian Peninsula has a history of territorial changes and immigration, leading to languages like Galician, Catalan, Basque, and Aragonese still being spoken today. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first extant record of any romance language in Iberia?

The oldest samples of writing in a romance language were found in glosses to works written in Latin in San Millan in the 10th century. Signup and view all the answers

What are the first examples of poetry in a romance language for Iberia?

The first examples are the Muwasshat poems, which include Jarchas written in Mozarabic using Arabic or Hebrew script. Signup and view all the answers

What do we know about Galician-Portuguese cantigas?

Cantigas were poetic love songs in Galician-Portuguese, with types including Love Songs, Mockery Songs, and Boyfriend Songs. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Alfonso X 'The Wise'?

Alfonso X promoted the arts and sciences, encouraged translations from Arabic and Hebrew, and fostered a harmonious cohabitation of cultures. Signup and view all the answers

How was life in a monastery in Medieval Iberia?

Life was routine, with monks or nuns reading, writing texts, and performing tasks like cleaning and farming, singing religious songs periodically. Signup and view all the answers

Where were medieval universities located and what did they teach?

Medieval universities originated from monasteries, teaching men languages, philosophy, and ancient texts commentary. Signup and view all the answers

What were the materials and tools used to produce a book in Medieval Iberia?

Books were made of parchment, written by scribes using quills and inks, often with illustrations for wealthy patrons. Signup and view all the answers

What is a gloss?

A gloss is a commentary found in the margins of a text, reflecting the scholarly habits of reading and commenting on existing works. Signup and view all the answers

How did a medieval city differ from a Roman city?

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What was the Way of Saint James?

The Camino de Santiago began in 814 with the discovery of Saint James's tomb, serving as a pilgrimage that fostered cultural and economic exchange. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Lady of Elche?

The Lady of Elche is a statue representing an Iberian princess or Phoenician goddess, symbolizing interaction among different peoples in the Mediterranean. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it inaccurate to claim that the Iberians are Spain's original natives?

Iberians were not the only natives; Celts also inhabited the area and there was not a distinct connection as power and religion changed frequently. Signup and view all the answers

How does ancient history influence present identities?

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What are the links between 'Romanization' and imperialism?

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Why is the notion of 'Romanization' seen as inadequate today?

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How did Trajan and Hadrian's rule relate to Roman citizenship?

Their rule illustrated how citizenship was leveraged by Rome as a means to integrate and control conquered peoples, enhancing social mobility. Signup and view all the answers

When did the Visigoths rule in Iberia?

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Study Notes

Prehistory vs. History

Prehistory begins with the invention of stone tools; History starts with record-keeping methods like writing.
Paleolithic era featured nomadic lifestyles and hunter-gatherers; Neolithic era was centered around agriculture and farming.

Altamira Caves

The object in the picture represents bison, believed to have spiritual significance in initiation rituals for hunters.
Located far inside Altamira caves, the artwork dates back 12,000-15,000 years and was created by Paleolithic people.
Discovered in 1879 by amateur paleontologist Maria Sanz de Sautuola and her father.

Colonization in Iberia

Greeks and Phoenicians established trade cities focused on economic and idea exchange, differing from modern colonial concepts.
These colonies were trade posts rather than military conquests, facilitating cultural interaction across the Mediterranean.
Phoenicians introduced olive, grapevine cultivation, and writing to Iberia.

Sources of Knowledge about Celts and Iberians

Understanding of Celts and Iberians comes from Greek and Roman historians describing them as fierce warriors.
Material culture, including artifacts studied by archaeologists, helps shed light on these groups.
Linguistic studies of inscriptions and place names provide additional context.

Language of the Iberians

Iberians adopted languages of surrounding populations rather than developing a unique language.
The "Rosetta Stone" aided in deciphering languages by providing a trilingual decree that helped decode scripts.
Iberians used three alphabets: Iberian, Latin, and Greek, showing extensive cultural exchange.

Roman Cities in Hispania

Roman cities were organized based on military encampments with a rectilinear grid structure, featuring public amenities.
Middle to large cities included essential services such as sewers, baths, theaters, and libraries.
Social structure was tiered, distinguishing Roman citizens (exempt from taxes) from Latin citizens (who paid taxes).

Segovia Aqueduct

The aqueduct, built around 112 CE, spans 9.3 miles and is an essential example of Roman engineering for water supply.
Municipal improvements included aqueducts and civic developments for newly established towns.

Rome's Legacy to Spain

Key elements of Roman influence include the Latin language, legal foundations, and the spread of Christianity.
Infrastructure projects such as cities, roads, and aqueducts have left a lasting mark on Spanish culture and geography.
Contributions to agriculture and dietary staples like olive oil, wheat, and wine were also significant.

Visigoths' Impact on Iberia

The Visigoths, "West Goths," unified Iberia under their capital Toledo and influenced local legal and cultural systems.
Though Arian Christians, conflict arose with the Catholic Church until King Reccared's conversion to Catholicism in 587.
They left a significant legacy, including architectural styles and vocabulary.

Arab and Berber Invasion Legend vs. History

Legend involves King Rodrigo's illicit actions prompting a Muslim response; however, the invasion stemmed from civil discord in Iberia.
The civil war post-King Wittiza’s death and divisions in power led to the swift Muslim victory.

The Cordoba Mosque

Built by Visigoths in 785-786 and further developed by Muslims, it showcases diverse architectural influences over three centuries.
Located in Cordoba, it reflects a blend of styles and myriad cultural exchanges in its construction.

Iberian Religious Communities

Dhimmis were non-Muslims granted protection under Muslim rule, paying taxes while practicing their faith.
Morería referred to Muslim communities living within Christian cities, whereas judería referred to Jewish communities.
Aljamas were self-governing communities of Moors and Jews under Christian jurisdictions.

Muwallad/Muladi and Mozarab Definitions

Muwallad/Muladi refers to Christians of partial Arabic descent converting to Islam.
Mozarab describes Christians living under Muslim governance without converting.

Cordoba Mosque Arches

The mosque utilized round, horseshoe, and polylobed arches, showcasing different architectural styles.
Built by Muslims, it reflects the cultural blend during its construction period.

Almoravid and Almohad Dynasties

Almoravids initially supported Muslim regions against Christians; Almohads later succeeded them, with Sevilla as their capital.

The Alhambra

The Alhambra, prominent in Granada, was built in the 14th century, characterized by elements like muqarnas and arabesques.

Medieval Society in Iberia

Society was structured into tiers, with Christians as rulers and Jews often in finance and trade.
The concept of convivencia illustrates a level of coexistence among differing religious communities.

Linguistic Heritage of Iberia

Historical territorial changes and immigration contributed to the language diversity, including Galician, Catalan, Basque, and Aragonese alongside Castilian.

Earliest Romance Language Records

The first written examples of a Romance language date back to the 10th century in San Millan, including glosses to Latin texts.

Muwasshat Poetry

Muwasshat poetry features a notable component, the Jarcha, written in Mozarabic, and reflects a blend of cultural influences through language and format.

Galician-Portuguese Cantigas

Cantigas were poetic love songs addressing different themes, such as love and mockery, often performed by troubadours.

Alfonso X "The Wise"

Known for promoting arts and sciences, he initiated a translation movement and emphasized the importance of cultural coexistence and scholarly development.

Monastic Life

Monastery life revolved around routine activities of reading, writing, and communal work, functioning similarly to early educational institutions.

Education in Medieval Universities

Secluded from society and based in monasteries, universities primarily admitted men, focusing on ancient texts and diverse subjects.

Book Production in Medieval Iberia

Books required parchment made from animal hides, written by scribes using inks and quills, with illustrations typically limited to wealthier texts.

Glosses in Medieval Scholarship

Glosses served as textual commentaries that reflected scholarly habits, emphasizing the preferment of commentary over original writing.

Characteristics of Medieval Cities

Medieval cities differed from Roman cities, lacking the order and structure; they grew organically and often included defensive features.

The Way of Saint James

Established by the early 9th century, the pilgrimage route promoted cultural exchange and introduced diverse ideas and goods to Iberia.

The Lady of Elche

This statue symbolizes cultural exchanges among different Mediterranean peoples and serves as a source of regional identity.

Issues with Identifying Iberians as Spain's Forefathers

Claims about the Iberians as original natives overlook the presence of other groups, such as Celts and North African influences during ancient times.

Influence of Ancient History on Identity

The layered histories of pre-Roman and Roman Iberia inform modern Spanish identity, reflecting ongoing cultural interactions and shifts.

Links Between Romanization and Imperialism

Romanization involved the integration of conquered peoples into the empire through citizenship offers, impacting social structures.

Inadequacy of Romanization in a Post-Colonial World

Historical reinterpretations highlight the complexities of cultural interactions, challenging simplistic views of Roman influence as homogenizing.

Citizenship as a Tool for Imperialism

The concept of Roman citizenship provided a way to integrate conquered peoples and enhance imperial control while allowing for social mobility.

Visigothic Rule in Iberia

Visigoths ruled from 466-711, and their legacy became significant for narratives about Spain's historical continuity and cultural heritage.

Cordoba Mosque as Historical Layers

The mosque incorporates elements from various cultures, showcasing a history of reuse and adaptation in architecture rather than complete reconstruction.

Romanesque and Gothic Cathedrals as Educational Tools

Cathedrals served to communicate biblical and historical narratives visually through architecture accessible to illiterate populations.

Convivenia vs. Convenience in Medieval Interactions

Different perspectives on religious coexistence highlight contrasting views of integration and collaboration among Christians, Muslims, and Jews.### Mudejarismo in Medieval Iberia
Mudejarismo describes the complex cultural interplay between Muslim and Christian communities in Medieval Iberia, where identities were heavily influenced by one another.
This blending of cultures resulted in numerous shared practices and artistic expressions, complicating the assessment of cultural appropriation.
Relationships fostered through trade helped create mutual understanding, demonstrating a desire for deeper connections.
Architecturally, many churches were constructed by Muslim architects, challenging the notion of simple appropriation and emphasizing collaborative efforts.

Gothic Architecture

Distinguished by pointed arches that promote height and verticality in structures.
Features high ceilings that create an expansive interior feel.
Utilizes flying buttresses to support walls and allow for larger windows.
Incorporates extensive stained-glass windows, enhancing the aesthetic and spiritual experience.

Romanesque Architecture

Identified by rounded arches that create a more solid visual effect.
Characterized by vaulted ceilings that reinforce the structural integrity and design.
Displays heavy, massive walls, often ornately decorated.
Typically includes small windows, resulting in darker interior spaces compared to Gothic styles.

Islamic/Mudejar Architecture

Notable for the horseshoe arch, a distinctive element that differs from both Romanesque and Gothic styles.
Contains lattice windows that allow light while maintaining privacy and decorative appeal.
Mudejar ceilings are crafted from wood featuring intricate geometric shapes, often designed in a “lace” or “lazo” style.
Decorative elements include wooden domes, colorful tilework, special window designs, and bricks adorned with decorations, showcasing rich artistic traditions.

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This quiz features important concepts pertaining to Prehistory and History, particularly focusing on the distinctions between the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras. Enhance your understanding of these pivotal periods through flashcards designed for the Spanish 42 course at UCLA. Perfect for midterm preparation.