Analysis of the Documentary The Crucible of Europe

The documentary starts by explaining that by the 9th century North Africa and Spain were in the hands of Muslim rulers. Under Muslim rule in Toledo, Spain were Jews who flourished in the area. The Jews followed the conquest of Islam through North Africa and Spain. On the continent of Europe the three Abrahamic religions met. The Jewish people would transform Europe and be transformed themselves. Alhambra of Granada, the Moorish palace in Southern Spain was described as beautiful with pleasure gardens and trees of all kinds. The Muslim and Jewish people were brought together for their love of art, knowledge, music, poetry, and philosophy. This era is known as the Golden Age.

Spain was in the hand of Moorish rulers and with this they paved the way for Jewish followers. In Spain the Muslim and Jewish people stood together to create a new culture similar to the Roman Empire. The Arab cultural foundation was a combination of many other cultures. Some of the cultures which influenced the Arab renaissance were Greek, Indian, and Jewish. In delicate patterns the words found in the Quran were carved on walls in palaces and mosques. It was seen everywhere the combination of faith and beauty. The Arabs left a profound legacy for all time. They immersed themselves in mathematics and sciences, with the creation of Algebra. They read the works of classical Greek and explored the parts and by ways of philosophy. They tolerated and accepted other people.

By the 9th century most Jews lived in Arab lands. The Arab culture influenced the Jews which led to their sharing in the large part of the community; this ideal was largely accepted in the Muslim lands of Spain. In the early 10th century Abdurrahman III established the independent caliphate ...

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...d then North. The Jews were blamed for poisoning wells which caused the plague. However, the Pope defended them by saying the Jews themselves were ill.

Lands in the East needed the Jews with their commerce where they would be safe. Much of modern Judaism was formed from the Ashkenazy. Toward the end of 14th century the anti-Jew movement reached Spain. The Spanish wanted to force Jews and Muslims to convert. Thousands of Jews converted called the New Christians. They converted in public but were still Jewish in private. This behavior angered the Spanish giving fake Christians the name Muranos also known as swine. When the kingdoms of Spain were united under Ferdinand and Isabella the Jews were killed, tortured, and exiled. The Spanish Inquisition required all Jews to convert or leave Spain. The Jews left behind their homes, business, culture, history, and memories.