FURTHER CONQUEST INTO SPAIN

In our previous study, we discussed of how Tariq bn ziyad defeated Roderick. After the conquest of the Gothic army, he sent some troops under Mugith bn ar-rumi (a roman Muslim) who conquered Cordova. Cordova being one of the major cities of the Gothic Empire was heavily guarded, Mugith sent out scouts at first to access the situation, a shepherd told him about a secret breach in the rampart. Mugith then devised a plan and took the city by a nocturnal surprise. He crossed the river at night and a column of his soldiers went up opening the gate for the main army. Cordova was finally conquered on October 711A.D.

After winter, he went for further conquest with Tariq. Saragossa fell in 714A.D.he continued towards Lerida and beyond the Pyrenees. He then dispatched Tariq to the mountainous region of the north. A man called Fortun accepted Islam; he was the chief of Aragon (his descendants were known as Banu Qasi who exercised political influence till the 10th century). Tariq occupied Leon, Astorga and other cities till he reached the Bay of Biscay.

Musa on his own part reduced Barcelona and entered France. He planned to march through Europe and connect Damascus via Constantinople; a move to which if he had achieved, he would change the course of history but he was recalled by the central government and he had to halt his campaign and return to Damascus in present day Syria which was the Islamic capital of the Umayyads.