Explain why the Arab invasions of 710 and 711 were so successful. :: essays research papers fc

Explain why the Arab impingements of 710 and 711 were so successful.In answering this hesitancy we must first appreciate the difficulty historians face in discovering the real truth of the early Arab invasions, a fact well demonstrated in the change estimates of Arab invasion forces (ranging from 1,700-9000 in current publications). Scant contemporary evidence exists beyond a short narrative present in a Spanish taradiddle of 754, a vital surviving Islamic administrative document of the time, and some archaeological remains. Our knowledge of the invasions is largely founded on the works of later Islamic historians, the Ajbar Machmua school text for example and the works of Ibn Idhari and al Maqqari. Unfortunately there are fewer Christian documents available. Julians History of Wamba is one of few Visigothic texts to be found, gain ground information has therefore been gained from later monastic chroniclers. For religious Muslim contemporarys the success of the 711 invasion wa s attributed to the will of Allah as part of Islams quick expansion. Likewise for the Christian author of the 9th century chronicle of Alfonso III the Visigoths defeat had been punishment for disobeying Gods commandments. To the majority of medieval men divine interpolation was a valid explanation for occurrences, however even then secular minded writers appreciated more practical explanations principally the unrest which existed within the Visigothic kingdom. The semipolitical and social problems which faced Iberia at the time are seen by many modern historians as vital to the conquests success.In 710, supposedly the social class of the first major Muslim incursion into Spain under Tarif (whether Tarifs raid even occurred is disputed by some historians ) the new big businessman Roderic succeeded the throne. He was in a vulnerable position from the outset as controversy existed over his succession. It was argued that he had apparently usurped the throne from the rightful heir A khila son of the old King Wittiza. Although Visigoth royal succession was theoretically elective it was in practice through primogenitor which naturally undermined Roderics position. The existence of a rival claimant caused dangerous divisions passim the kingdom and in Akhilas demesne land of Tarragona and Narbonne coins were minted without the kings image, a clear measure of defiance. It is also reported in some sources that during the invasion Akhila conspired with the Arabs to depose Roderic. Some go as far as to say that during the final battle a wing of Roderics army loyal to Akhila dour on him in the midst of the fighting.