In áÈthe Virgin and the Bull,áÉ Carlos Fuentes mentions Christopher Columbus, Cristoforo Colon, or Cristobal Colombo. These are all the different names for the one famous explorer who eventually sailed for Spain. He received his money from Ferdinand and Isabella. His largest feat was rediscovering North and South America in 1492. If you ask me thatáÇs a pretty large feat.
Next, Fuentes says that we are all immigrants. This is why Spain has moderately divided religious practices. Spain is home to Arabs, Jews, and Christians.
In Spain and Spanish countries, the bull is the symbol for power and life. These are two important things to represent! The bullring is the first commonplace of Spain. This is where people met and enjoyed themselves. At the bull fights, music was played to obtain a better atmosphere.
In 711 a Muslim army went to Gibraltar. Then they swept north to Spain. There the Muslims shared their culture with the Spanish. Many of the Muslim places of worship, mosks, are extravagantly decorated. It is hard to imagine, but they didnáÇt believe in pictures depicting humans. Instead of drawing humans they drew elaborate geometric designs wherever they could.
All of SpaináÇs main languages are derived from the ancient language of Latin. Three of the mostly spoken are Spanish, Arabic, and Hebrew. Spain has had very volatile relationships with Jews and Muslims over the long years though. Jews had been in Spain since roman times. Ferdinand and Isabella wanted to force everyone in Spain to be Christian. As a result of this Jews were expelled from Spain in 1442 along with the Muslims who were already being persecuted. .
After ColumbusáÇ voyage to the áÈnew world,áÉ a new period in history began. This time period in known as áÈthe renaissance.áÉ During this time scientists began to ask more questions.