Summary of kanopy film ( invasion of andalusia )

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Kanopy Films Option 6: Arab Invasion of Andalusia

The film, Arab Invasion of Andalusia (AIA), narrates the story that ignited a period of 800 years of what would be the Muslim reign in the region of the Iberian Peninsula. Information regarding the said events has been hard to come by with the available sources lacking the much-needed reliability. However, armed with minimal sources of information, the creators of the documentary set to answer tricky questions on a topic where most people have failed. While AIA presents a fascinating experience for history scholars and other interested parties alike, the film still lacks in terms of the accuracy of the submitted data, making it unreliable to some extent.

The documentary is primarily based on the accounts detailed in a document whose author did not live the said ordeals. A first-hand account experience of events usually is accurate since the narrator can give more details, which are valid and reliable. However, in the mentioned film, the creators rely on data contained in a document known as “The chronicle of 754”. According to Gearon, the author of the material was a native Christian who lived in Iberia, whose real identity was unknown (Gearon, 45). Gearon further highlights that the said author lived in a location far from the center of all the action. Among the unproven details mentioned in The Chronicle of 754 is the inaccurate number of combat participants present in different battles. Other accounts such as that of Abd al-Hakem equally fall short in detail since the author was over 3,000 miles away from the invasion. Therefore, AIA fails in providing accurate data to some of the pressing questions that the audience may have.

The documentary fails to convince the audience if the events qualified to be termed as an ordinary raid or a full-blown invasion. As Gearon points out, Tariq's team that comprised of Berbers had set out on a grabbing spree since they knew the riches that the Iberian Penisula possessed (Gearon 47). Their knowledge was informed by the previous trade engagements they had with the locals. Several accounts on Andalusia, modern-day Spain, confirm that the region was vastly abundant in diverse ways ranging from natural resources to other essentials that were prominent for prosperity (Shamice 129). The area also enjoyed a rich culture championed by its residents. Therefore, personal gain, which topped the agenda of Tariq's troops, most likely quenched their thirst for a proper invasion. Invasions, unlike raids, are meant to achieve a complete takeover of the targeted region.

Two explanations further put to doubt the idea of invasion, as presented in the film. The first one centers on the composition of the invaders and those invaded. For it to qualify to be an Arab invasion of Andalusia (Spain), the invaders had to comprise of individuals solely from an Arab background. If not, a majority of them had to have links to the Arab community and not just to share a common culture with them. The leader of the invasion, Tariq ibn Zayid had no Arab origin and, instead, was a Berber from the region of North Africa (Gearon 46). Gearon further expounds that Tariq was a serving prisoner who was held captive following his capture when his team was fighting the Arab invaders. While in prison, he displayed exemplary traits that did not match that of a prisoner. Following his exemplary behavior, the Arab governor in charge of the newly acquired region rewarded him with a position in his army. His first task as the leader of the group was to push for the invasion of Spain. Therefore, it makes no sense terming the invasion as Arab since Triq was of African origin.

The second explanation that seeks to refute the invasion, as presented in the documentary, is based on whether the region targeted by Tariq was indeed Spain. While the area is presently refered to as Spain, there is significant doubt on whether it existed in its present state during the invasion. Proof of existence regarding Spain dates to several centuries after the attack by Tariq and his troops (Gearon 46). It is, therefore, logical to say that what was invaded then was a different region. Records show that what existed at the time was the designated region of Hispania that combined present-day Portugal, and Spain. Furthermore, the title Iberia is from the Roman origin, meaning that the area was under the watchful eye of the Roman Empire.

Overall, the creators of the Arab Invasion of Andalusia delivered a captivating documentary that is rich in information. What casts significant doubt on the film is the accuracy of the data used in putting the different segments together. Some of the characteristics of the invasion are similar to that of an ordinary raid. Also, most of the data were obtained from a source that never participated in any of the events.Furthermore, Tariq, who was the leader of the invasion was not of an Arab origin. The area they targeted had also not been designated as Spain at the time. Regardless of all these shortcomings, the film still deserves recognition.

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