What regions were occupied by the moors?

The term "Moors" refers to the Muslim inhabitants of the Iberian Peninsula, primarily during the period of Muslim rule from the 8th to the 15th centuries. So, the regions occupied by the Moors were primarily in Spain and Portugal, though their influence extended beyond these borders.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Spain:

* Al-Andalus: This was the name given to the Muslim-ruled territory in Spain, which at its peak stretched from the Pyrenees mountains in the north to the Strait of Gibraltar in the south. Major cities like Córdoba, Seville, Toledo, Granada, and Valencia were part of Al-Andalus.

* The Northern Kingdoms: Even though the northern regions of Spain remained under Christian rule, they still had significant cultural and economic interactions with the Moors. This led to a blend of cultures in these areas.

Portugal:

* The southern regions of Portugal: While Portugal became an independent kingdom in the 12th century, its southern regions were under Moorish control for a considerable time.

Beyond the Iberian Peninsula:

* North Africa: The Moors had a strong presence in North Africa, particularly in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. They established significant trading centers and cultural exchange networks.

* The Mediterranean: The Moors also had a presence in other regions of the Mediterranean, including Sicily, Sardinia, and parts of Southern Italy.

It's important to note that the term "Moors" can be used in a broader sense to refer to any Muslim people from North Africa, but in the context of history, it specifically refers to the Muslim population in Iberia.