| In the early 10th century, al-Andalus (Arab Spain) became at international medieval superpower. This thesis asks and answers the question "What made 912--961 AD the Golden Age of al-Andalus---was it her leader, her people, or the time and events which took place during this forty-nine year period?" This question was answered using a classic in-depth research approach. This thesis was completed using numerous valuable Arabic and Latin texts translated by noted historians. Using a compromise approach, the question still remains: which is relatively more important, the leader or the historic period/event in which they live? For this age of dominance to occur, all of these elements must be present and cannot truly exist without the others. Yet, a leader is only as strong and influential as the period in which he lived allows. Abd al-Rahman's III ideas, leadership and philosophies were only as effective as his society laws and customs would have permitted. |
