1. Early Middle Ages The Franks First, Europe had to be kept Christian
In 711 AD a Muslim army from North Africa conquered Spain

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the Arab commander Uqba-ibn-Nafe expressed his frustration there were no more lands to conquer in which to spread the glory of Islam by terrorizing the conquered people to accept Islam or death.

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Spain at that time was under the control of the Visigoths and King Rodrigo who were Christian

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King Rodrigo of Spain married the daughter of one of his noblemen, Count Julian against the wishes of her father.

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To avenge what Julian perceived as his violated honor, he opened secret talks with the Muslims and invited the Emir (Governor) Musa ibn Nusayr, the ruler of North Africa to invade Spain.

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The Caliph al-Walid authorized the invasion of Spain ( AD), on condition that Count Julian recited the Shahada and embraced Islam.
Also known as the Sword of Allah

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Count Julian decided to turn traitor and gave up his ancestral faith, embracing Islam along with his retainers.

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The two armies met on the banks of the Guadalete river on July 19, 711 in the extreme south of Spain.

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The Visigothic king Rodrigo, decided to cross over to repulse the invading Muslim army.

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Those who were secretly loyal to Count Julian did not cross.

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Those loyal to count Julian attacked the Spanish army from behind

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When the battle of the Guadalete river started turning against the Spanish, Rodrigo with a few troops tried to retreat .

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His troops wanted to fight to the death. But Rodrigo, wanting to save the lives of his select troops as well as his own.

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King Rodrigo opened negotiations with the Muslims to secure his freedom.

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The Muslim renegades of the Spanish army captured Rodrigo.

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On the orders of Musa, Tarik caught hold of the fugitive emperor’s hair and decapitated him.

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The Muslim army stuck the Spanish Emperor"s head on a pole and paraded it before those contingents of the Spanish army that were still opposed to the Muslims.

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This gruesome sight, caused panic in the Spanish army and an unruly retreat. PPX 15-1B

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Also a slaughter of a greater part of the now demoralized and retreating Spanish army.

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After this battle the Muslims proceeded to conquer most of the Iberian peninsula within the next five years.
Rodrigo’s head was sent back to Damascus for display