Guerra santa, cruzada y yihad en Andalucía y el Reino de Granada (siglos XIII-XV)

Book Description

This scholarly exploration delves into the complex spiritual and ideological dimensions of medieval warfare along one of history's most contested frontiers. Rafael Gerardo Peinado Santaella examines the profound religious motivations that shaped centuries of conflict between Christian and Islamic civilizations in Andalusia and the Kingdom of Granada from the thirteenth through fifteenth centuries.

Through meticulous historical analysis, the work reveals how deeply held spiritual convictions transformed ordinary communities into societies perpetually organized for sacred warfare. The author illuminates the psychological and cultural landscape of frontier populations who lived in a state of constant religious tension, where concepts of holy war, crusade, and jihad became defining elements of daily existence.

Rather than romanticizing this period, the study presents an unflinching examination of how religious identity created unbridgeable divides between neighboring communities. The research challenges contemporary assumptions about medieval tolerance and coexistence, demonstrating instead how spiritual conviction could generate enduring cycles of conflict.

Drawing from extensive documentary evidence, this investigation offers valuable insights into how religious worldviews shape human behavior during times of prolonged tension. For readers interested in understanding the intersection of spirituality and conflict, this work provides a sobering yet enlightening perspective on how sacred beliefs can both inspire and divide communities across cultural boundaries.

The book serves as a thoughtful meditation on the complex relationship between faith, identity, and human conflict throughout history.