1. Visit to Toledo. Name: _______________
Some history
We are going to visit one of the most important and interesting cities of Spain.
Toledo was inhabited since prehistoric times, but it was Marcus Fulvius who
gave to this place the name of Toletum in 190 B.C.
When the Visigoths settled in the Iberian Peninsula Toledo became the capital
city of the Visigothic kingdom. Here the king Reccared and all the Visigoths
converted to Catholicism (589 a.D.). Also many religious councils were held
here. As a result of this Toledo became at the same time the political capital
and the religious capital.
The Muslims conquered the Iberian Peninsula in 711, and the city of Toledo
was conquered in 712. It became a very important city during the Emirate and
the Caliphate. In 1031, when the caliphate disappeared, Toledo became one of
the most important Taifa Kingdoms.
During the “Reconquista” this Taifa kingdom had to pay many parias to the
Christian Kings. Alfonso VI, king of Castile and Leon, conquered the city in
1085 but respecting the customs of the Muslims.
The Almoravids who came from the North of Africa entered in the Iberian
Peninsula and defeated the Christians, getting back Toledo.
In 1162 the Christians conquered the city again and from now on it will
always be controlled by the Christian Kings.
Toledo will become an Imperial city when Charles I was crowned emperor of
the Holy Roman Empire in 1519.
Nowadays is the capital of Castilla-La Mancha and the “episcopal see” (sede
episcopal), where the bishop (Obispo) has his main office.

2.  What were the main jobs of these Muslims?
Individual Task _______________________________________________
Listen carefully to the explanations of the teacher and answer
 What is the artistic style that belongs to the
correctly to the following questions. (Full sentences).
following periods?
 In what historical period was Toledo first inhabited?
a. Muslim Period: ________________________________
________________________________________________________
b. Christian Period (3 styles): _______________________
 What three cultures lived together in Toledo during ________________________________________________________
Middle Ages? What were their holy books?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________ Work in groups.
For this task use a clean sheet of paper and write down
 What is the name that we use for the Christians who lived under the names of all the students.
the Muslims rule and who were a religious minority?
 Now, in groups of 4 write down the names of all the
____________________________________________ buildings that we have seen and some characteristics
(date or century, king that ordered the construction,
 After “La Reconquista” what is the name that we use for the artistic style, types of arches, naves…).
Muslims who lived under the Christians rule and who were a
 What is the building that has impressed you the most?
religious minority?
Say why and write a brief description of the building
_________________________________________________________ (3 or 4 lines).