TEXT_ Juan Antonio Cañizo Fraga
ILLUSTRATION _ César Blas
The Arabs’ fleeting stay in Galicia, due in good measure to the climate, strengthened the social system of the Galician Visigoths, paving the way for a period of continuation rather than one of change. Santiago appeared as a reference in the religious struggle against Islam.
The Reconquest would bring radical changes to Spain’s geographical and political map. Castile emerges as the new power, with Galicia, Asturias and León acting as the traditional rearguard of a new State founded as the Arabs were retreating. During this period, which is magnificently described in this work, the Kingdom of Galicia gradually lost influence and power, specially following the creation of the Kingdom of Portugal. However, the star of Compostela continued to shine, a city that formed the perfect accomplice for the far-off power of the King of Castile.
