Note 2 — Chapter I · UNEXPLORED SPAIN INTRODUCTORY

The term “Moor” has always seemed to us a trifle unfortunate, as tending to indicate that the conquering race came from Morocco—“Turks” or “Arabs” would have been a more appropriate title. For fifty years after the conquest Spain was governed by Emirs subject to the Kaliphs of Damascus, the first independent power being wielded by the Emir Abderahman III. who, in 777, usurped the title of Kaliph of Cordoba. That kaliphate, by the way, during its earlier splendours, became the centre of universal culture, Cordoba being the intellectual capital of the world, with a population that has been stated at two millions.