Episode 98 - Christian conquests

The Christians succeed in taking one of the most important cities in al-Andalus - the city of Cordoba which surrendered in 1236.

As the Muslims of al-Andalus fight each other, King Fernando of Leon and Castile takes advantage of an opportunity to strike Cordoba.

We follow King James I of Aragon and King Alfonso IX of Leon as they go on the offensive.

As Caliphs come and go at a dizzying rate, Almohad rule in al-Andalus crumbles - giving rise to a new ruler, ibn Hud.

King Fernando III of Castile embarks on his first crusade, while one of the contenders for Caliph forms an unlikely alliance with Castile.

As crusading fever sweeps across Europe, a number of crusades are launched against the Almohads - with mixed results.

We welcome a new King to the throne of Castile and join the Portugese in a crusade to seize a Muslim stronghold to the south of Lisbon.

A bunch of consequential deaths in the years following the battle of Las Navas de Tolosa, upend the politics of the Iberian peninsula.

We conclude our look at the battle of Las Navas de Tolosa, which ends in a decisive victory for the crusaders.

It's crusade time!  A major crusading expedition leaves Toledo in June 1212 under the command of King Alfonso VIII of Castile.  It heads directly southwards, intending to confront the Caliph's forces.