Reconquista - The Next Generation - Part 5 El Sabio - The Wise King

In the last part of Episode X, we look into the latter years of Alphonso X. A Castilian King who descended from a line of warriors kings of the Reconquista; he was a man with lofty ambitions and an even greater love of knowledge. He pursued the fight against the Muslims of Granada - the last emirate of Islam in Spain. However, the fickle political climate nearly brought his rule to an end. Yet despite hardships he would still leave an impressive legacy.
DEDICATED AGAIN TO ALL THE FATHERS IN THE AUDIENCE! MAY THAT BOND BETWEEN FATHER AND CHILD, WHICH IS ALWAYS TESTED, NEVER BREAK!
=== AN AMAZING THANK YOU ===
TO SIMON DOUBLEDAY'S
" THE WISE KING "
www.simondouble...
HUGE THANKS TO MUSIC CONTRIBUTIONS - PLEASE CHECK OUT THEIR PAGES!! :
WILLIAM WILSON:
www.williamwil...
CLAUDIE MACKULA
/ @claudiemackula
===================================
CONTRIBUTE TO THE SHOW ON PATREON:
/ fphx
DOWNLOAD THE ALL THE FREE PODCAST EPISODES:
itunes.apple.c....
FOR ANDEROID USERS:
fphistory.libsy...
FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK:
/ flashpointhx
VISIT ON TWITTER:
/ flashpointhx
===================================
==== VERY SPECIAL THANKS ====
To Embrace Historia for the Total War Machina
Check out his youtube channel:
/ @embracehistoria
==== SOURCES ====
A Vanished World - Chris Lowney
Homage to Al-Andalus - Micheal Barry
Muslim Spain and Portugal - Hugh Kennedy
Reconquest and Crusade in Medieval Spain - Joesph O'Callaghan
Kingdoms of Faith - Brain Catlas
The Wise King - Simon Doubleday
==== M U S I C ====
WILLIAM WILSON
Malaguena
Ode to Joy
Claudie Mackula
/ @claudiemackula
El Castillo de Santiago
WORLD MUSIC OFFICIAL
/ @worldmusicofcl7548
Epic Middle Eastern War Music
Golden Age
Derek and Brandon Fiechter
Sahara Desert
MUSOPEN
Moonlight Sonata - Ludwig Van Beethoven
PREMIUM BEATS
Lacrimosa
ANNO DOMINI
Archetype
FILMSTRO
Drums of War

[@FlashPointHx]

Ok folks a few announcements! 1) Thanks again for making this channel a success! Was hoping to hit 20k by the end of the year - nearly at 25k now! Loving the engagement I get from your lovely peeps! 2) Going to be taking a bit of vaca from podcasting and youtube for July / August - My little one is walking and my wife and I hear the beautiful mountains of California calling out to be hiked! 3) If people are interested, I'll combine the five parts of Episode X into one, to create a MEGA 2 hour movies for you! Email me if this is appealing 4) Finally, another reason to hold up on video creation - the hard drive (1TB) on my Mac is nearly full of archived video! Hoping this month's patreon income will be enough to get an external SSD hard drive. Consider contributing, or if you're feeling especially generous and want to give a one time donation - my PayPal email is: [e-mail] Thanks again for everything!!

[@pierresihite8854]

This is good! If it wern't for historymarche i probs wouldnt have found this

[@gappayayo4602]

Glad to see the channel grow and hear you’re taking a break. You’ve earned it so enjoy it!

[@FlashPointHx]

@Ahmd HELEOS I'd love to, but I can't read or write in Arabic

[@FlashPointHx]

@Ahmd HELEOS Thank you!

[@FlashPointHx]

@@pierresihite8854 Thanks for mentioning this, I'll have to thank him - he's a fellow content creator and we have a good working relationship. Nice guy.

[@user-zp8ei6pi7p]

It's 3am. I shouldn't be watching this...I need to go to bed...I regret nothing.

[@FlashPointHx]

hahahah! Happy that you liked it so much!

[@nucleardragons]

I did that last night; went to bed past 4 am ;)

[@stvasile]

Literally going through the same experience :D

[@rola529]

Same, 3 26am been watching this series for hours

[@SeanMahoneyfitnessandart]

Me every night with these!!

[@farjanaakhtar8933]

I am a Muslim at first I skeptic but after watching all 5 parts. Truly these kings of Spain were truly brave and wise . This was the beginning of the European renaissance Which led to the current great modern western civilisation.

[@FlashPointHx]

Happy that you liked it and that the content gave you a new prospective

[@vascoespañol]

I happen to descend From Fernando and ALfonso, and ALso from MUsa Ibn Nusair, great to see that you dont believe in cliches anymore.

[@farjanaakhtar8933]

I am a Muslim at first I was skeptical about these episodes. After watching all 5 parts I take my hat off to the wise kings of Spain. Bravo This was the start of the European renaissance which led to European supremacy.

[@Uncle_Fred]

Wow! Your best one yet. No idea this man was so influential.

[@FlashPointHx]

I know right? Goes to show that the power of wisdom can tower above military strength

[@Uncle_Fred]

@@FlashPointHx I came for the conquests, but it was Alfonso's soaring enlightenment that left the most impact on me.

[@cooltoshaftw]

The Kings with the epithet "the Great" or "the Warrior" are good in their own right, but they can't match to those few that in a time ruled by war were deemed "the Wise". Alphonso X still inspires so many people to many things, and he even lives so into today that his songs ended up as soundtrack to memes. Tell me which medieval King has such a legacy, from being a scientist and an astronomer and a musician and a warrior, up to be a sort of a meme-writer, HUNDREDS of years before the first meme? Alphonso X is a King for all times. For the past, for the present, for the FUTURE. Thank you for this episode. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[@FlashPointHx]

You are so welcome - and Thank YOU for this amazing comment - you put it so well. Only a handful of rulers are ever renowned for their wisdom

[@bilbohob7179]

Abderraman III perhaps...

[@supernivemdealbabor]

​@@bilbohob7179 nooo, remeber Simancas 939 AD

[@saguntum-iberian-greekkons7014]

I think Justinian the Great is the closest that ressembles Alfonso X, he also gave a great legacy, not by Reconquests but by Laws, laws that are still used today: LEX CORPVS CIVILIS. It is with great laws, treatment of the people with respect and egality that you become a wise figure, that the common people admires you. So in the Middle Ages, Justinian the Great and Alfonso X, more than charlemagnes renaissance

[@wilhelmhesse1348]

Wow another great video, never knew so much was attributed to King Alfonso X, absolutely amazing here. Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" (on spanish guitar???) is great for lifting the spirits and makes one reflect on what Alfonso really wanted and held dear to his hear, which I think was to see all people in a more enlightened, better state of mind, free from ignorance, cruel subjugation and superstitions. I'm sure his desire to become Holy Roman Emperor was not a pursuit of vanity, or to be seen as a God Chosen protector but one he really wanted to use to make the whole of Europe a better place through enlightenment in Science, Medicine, Philosophy and the Arts. He didn't become Emperor but even as King of Castille he left an amazing impact for the entire world. Thanks again for another super cool video.

[@FlashPointHx]

when I was looking up music I found William Wilson who happened to be a fellow Californian. He readily agreed to let me us his music. When I played the ending sequence for my wife, it put a smile on her face. I knew this would be a perfect ending for such an amazing man. I am curious what would have happened had he become emperor. Perhaps it was too late in his career to make a huge impact, but still. Perhaps the Renaissance would have come earlier. Again, happy that you liked this video. I felt like I put a lot into it. BTW, Ode to Joy resonates with me - it was made when Beethoven had lost his hearing and he was bitter at life. Yet he still created something beautiful. It reminded me of Hemingway's 'A Moveable Feast' - which was published after he committed suicide - it was a short story of his life before he became famous and he was still young and vibrant and deeply in love with his first wife. I read this for the first time when I was in Paris and was just blown away.

[@saguntum-iberian-greekkons7014]

He got immortalized, more than if he would had been crowned Emperor, God had other designs for him. Rei Alfonso X , El Immortalizado

[@hiview44]

Very addictive series indeed. I would support the idea of compiling the 5 parts into a 2 hour movie. It will be nice to watch all back to back. Enjoy your vacation with the family. Thanks for everything and God bless.

[@FlashPointHx]

So happy that you liked it! I'll probably have the extended version out next month! All the best!

[@fabrixioable]

"Burn old wood, read old books, drink old wines, have old friends." (Quemad viejos leños, leed viejos libros, bebed viejos vinos, tened viejos amigos) Alfonso X of Castille.

[@FlashPointHx]

I really love this quote! Though I’m curious where ‘burning old wood’ comes from or specifically what does it imply.

[@fabrixioable]

@@FlashPointHx Old dry wood burns the best and I guess it takes a lesser toll on already not very forested Castillian lands than to cut young trees.

[@FlashPointHx]

Ahh that makes sense - I understand now

[@tg1982]

Terrific episode. The epilogue of the Alfonso X's life is simply beautiful. Thank you for your awesome work.

[@FlashPointHx]

Thank you! I’m really happy how that ending worked out and William Wilson is a saint for letting me use his music for it

[@TheSPQRHistorian]

I really like your video- and editing style! High quality and really enjoyable :)

[@FlashPointHx]

Thank you! Really appreciate it! BTW I check out your channel, your video on Claudius is really impressive. You obviously made a jump in your software editing. I'd love to discuss your techniques. Email me if you get a chance.

[@TheSPQRHistorian]

@@FlashPointHx Mail sent, looking forward to hearing from you ;)

[@CESSKAR]

When Sancho was about to die, later on, he confessed to Don Juan Manuel: 'this death is no death of illness but death of sins, and specially of the curse my father gave me because of all I deserved'.

[@FlashPointHx]

Wow - talk about the kind of cult that consumes one’s soul!!

[@GamingHarry]

I´m from Argentina, but I live in Barcelona, next to the station Alfons X (in Catalan). Now I know who Alfonso is. Fascinating episode! Kudos for your amazing job with these videos! They´re truly beautiful.

[@FlashPointHx]

Thank you! My wife and I rented an apartment on La Rambla and partied in Barcelona for a month. Lovely city and you have some amazing food (and history there). The old Roman Quarter was my favorite.

[@issustaita]

One of the Best history channels on KZbin

[@FlashPointHx]

Thank you!!

[@LandgraabIV]

The Cantigas de Santa Maria were composed in Galician-Portuguese. Even to this day here in Brazil we study them in school, as they were the first literature written in the vernacular. I find them extremely fascinating from an artistic and linguistic point of view.

[@FlashPointHx]

I agree - they are beautiful on a multitude of levels!

[@LandgraabIV]

@@FlashPointHx thanks for making this videos btw, I can tell they are extremely well researched. I always learn a lot from them. The visuals and soundtrack make them very enjoyable as well.

[@saguntum-iberian-greekkons7014]

Se parecen bien cerca al Latín

[@waldemarheyerdahl3241]

Una de las mejores narraciones de la reconquista. Excelente!!!

[@FlashPointHx]

Muchas gracias!

[@cowboys8080]

Thanks!

[@FlashPointHx]

@@cowboys8080 thank you so much !

[@johnchurchill6778]

Señor, os agradezco sinceramente todo vuestro tiempo, esfuerzo y dedicación. Gracias. Es un trabajo genial. Con todos mis respetos

[@FlashPointHx]

Gracias!

[@gzpo]

I can feel my Iberian DNA feeling proud for this presentation. Found out I got about 19% N. African and Iberian DNA in Sephardic genes. The story was that half my genes came from Sicily but wow, my Sicilian genes come from as far as Western Asia and Eastern Europe! Including N. Africa and Iberia! The other half is Celtic. Talk about conflict! 💖😎

[@FlashPointHx]

I'm happy that you like the video! You have some major diversity in your genealogy. I'm sure the story behind it, is fascinating.

[@nestar2009]

This series of videos are getting exciting more than ever. Can't wait to hear the final stages of the reconquista. I like that you use a lot of history facts. Very detilailed and straightforward.

[@FlashPointHx]

Thank you - yes, researching the final stages now

[@TheSpaceWomble]

If history in school had been like this I would have stayed in school longer

[@FlashPointHx]

hahahah!

[@josephwamoto3529]

Your videos make us all feel good and rejuvenated. We will miss you during your vacation. Can’t wait for the next episode. Thank you. Gracias

[@FlashPointHx]

You are so welcome! Happy that you liked the content - I loved ending this video with ode to joy

[@Uncle_Fred]

Nice to see you back and making videos!

[@FlashPointHx]

Just takes me time to create these! I'm always around =)

[@gonzaloluna1989]

Man, this Reconquista had a lot of ups and down. I use to think of this period as a dark period in Spains history and nothing more, Did not know any details of the 800 years. Now I find out that it was a colorful period rich in interesting history. Thanks again.

[@FlashPointHx]

Thank you! This is exactly the reason I created this series. I’m so happy to hear that you have taken a second look at this period in time! All the best!

[@supernivemdealbabor]

Oh man, your comment made a perfect ilustration to me of what is the general view about Spain: unbased prejudices. Surely this contry has to be obscure, backwardish, retrogade etc You lines are perfect to set an example of what its Leyenda Negra is.

[@Darth_Enigma]

I'm in favor for that 2 hour movie, also hope you and your family have a great vacation. Viva El Sabio!

[@FlashPointHx]

Thank you for responding about this. I think I'll have this ready in August

[@Darth_Enigma]

@@FlashPointHx Splendid! We'll be looking forward to it

[@dayleklassen3472]

hands down the best history videos please dont ever stop making them!

[@FlashPointHx]

You got it

[@kevinalvarado1000]

This video was great! Alphonso X is indeed a fascinating historical figure. Keep up the good work.

[@FlashPointHx]

Will do - next episode we take a look at the Black Death

[@kevinalvarado1000]

@@FlashPointHx Ooh! Sounds like fun.

[@xiaodongwang7753]

Great background music.

[@FlashPointHx]

Thanks! I pride myself on finding the right music

[@albertofernandez9147]

Amazing job!!! Time flies when watching your videos!

[@FlashPointHx]

Good to know - I want to keep this as engaging as possible

[@albertofernandez9147]

@@FlashPointHx you are a genius, seriously thanks for all the good time I enjoy watching four videos. Despite being spanish your documentaries about the Reconquista are the best I've seen!

[@arijao92]

Flash Point History uploaded, well guess I'm stopping everything I'm doing right now and watch this, this reconquista series is very good

[@FlashPointHx]

hahahah - I stopped you in your tracks then?

[@arijao92]

@@FlashPointHx Yeah and thats definetly not a bad thing, keep uploading videos of this quality and people will definetly come and subscribe, I already shared this channel with a couple of my friends that are ''armchair historian'' type

[@FlashPointHx]

Thanks for doing that!

[@alorikkoln]

Really very interessting and informative. Also entertaining. I liked the last part as a cool recap.... Good opinion or analysis.

[@FlashPointHx]

Thank you!!

[@SamDiMento]

7:40 I love that Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata is the background music here. Well done lol.

[@FlashPointHx]

I'm a sucker for Beethoven

[@JP-bp5bo]

Excellent. Bravo.

[@misterangel8486]

Your documentaries are such good companion during my insomnia nights. 3rd time I watched this one, it still catches my mind. 👍😎

[@FlashPointHx]

Thats an awesome comment! But just to clarify - you like the videos - you just don't use them to fall asleep right? ;) Seriously - thank you!

[@misterangel8486]

@@FlashPointHx no I do not use your videos to fall asleep😂🤣 I use em to learn something since I can not sleep. Instead of just laying in my bed frustrated I want to use the time productively. No worries👍 I am a bit fascinated by Alphonso X coz of your video. What a fascinating personality. You gave me a good insight in his soul and methods. Thx very much for that🙏👍

[@FlashPointHx]

@@misterangel8486 hahaha - I kinda figured thats what ya meant

[@Thisguy152]

How am I only finding this channel now?? These videos are awesome, subbed for sure!

[@FlashPointHx]

Awesome that you like the content - and happy that you are here.

[@darrenblack5541]

Please do the last part i can't wait for it and has to say this was a gem in all the history channels i had seen

[@FlashPointHx]

In the works now =)

[@eldanaroilumbar]

I am preparing a paper on El Sabio and your work really helped me, thank you so much.

[@FlashPointHx]

Nice!! Hope you got an A!

[@ulf___]

Netflix series please! They fan fund stupid ass shows they can make a good one with this. Just use these videos as backbone and you have an amazing series.

[@FlashPointHx]

IKR?!

[@edgarvcalderon]

This is a beutiful series. I am looking forward to watch its conclusion. Enjoy your vacation and thank you!

[@jamescampbell965]

Excellent as always I’m glad I stayed up and saw the you posted the video instant click!

[@FlashPointHx]

ha! You must have been up late

[@darkdefender6384]

So glad I watched this! Thank you!

[@phillip_iv_planetking6354]

Very well done Sir. Glad I found your channel.

[@FlashPointHx]

Thanks!

[@aladelta55]

Somehow Alfonso X was the real precursor of the Italian Renaissance. It was in Toledo, Spain (Hispania or Iberia), that the Eastern and Western World merged, Legacy of Muslim Al-Andalus, that combined knowledge of places as far away as China and Europe, and it was Alfonso X and his Toledo School of Translators that made it possible for that knowledge to be spread throughout Europe and reach Italy. Without Alfonso X and his Toledo translators, neither the Italian Renaissance, nor the Western World we have today would have ever existed and the world would be very different from what it is now. You can say that the Italian Renaissance has it's origin in Toledo, from Alfonso X hands.

[@FlashPointHx]

Wow - that's giving the man a lot of credit. You have the same mindset as Simon Doubleday - the man who wrote the book which I based a lot of this episode on. He believes that there was a Castilian Renaissance before there was a Renaissance. But you have to give the Italian city states credit as well.

[@aladelta55]

@@FlashPointHx Yes, I do, but the point is that everybody knows about the Italian Renaissance, but nobody knows about the great importance of Alfonso the X and his Toledo school of translators who are he real keys and turning point in history. No Spanish empire would have ever existed nor western civilization neither as we know it without this (ignored) Spanish Renaissance.

[@FlashPointHx]

There you are totally correct - problem is that Toledo was an Islamic center of learning before it fell into Christian hands in 1085. It’s hard for many to accept this as a very potent influence in the rebirth of learning in Europe.

[@aladelta55]

@@FlashPointHx Yes, it was. The Muslim Hispania, Al-Andalus, was extremely important gathering all the knowledge from east to west until the point that some words like algebra, algorithm, the 0 concept, the numbers as we use today, comes from Al-Andalus that worked as a real factory of knowledge that created the foundaments of our western civilization.

[@FlashPointHx]

Have you seen my prior videos on this ? If you haven’t, I think you’d like them.

[@nucleardragons]

That was really great, very informative, detailed and professional Absolute joy to watch your videos, but this one was touching

[@ricadojzuloaga7613]

Good narration

[@FlashPointHx]

Thanks!

[@GHST995]

Wow great video. I loved the MA quote...then the forgiveness one made me tear up and I don't know why.

[@FlashPointHx]

That’s an amazingly powerful quote from MA. I was truly impressed with Alphonso’s living embodiment of this - I’m so happy that you liked the video and that it spoke to you in such a way.

[@GHST995]

@@FlashPointHx Please keep up the great work! I used to confine myself to to Greek, and Roman history...but I am discovering that I am really a student of all history...as we should all be imo.

[@UpcycleElectronics]

Have fun with the vacation. I hear those mountains calling too, but they call me to pedal the trails. I'll be here when you get back. Thanks for the upload. -Jake

[@FlashPointHx]

Totally hear ya!! I need to update my mountain bike - Marin County is all about the bike trails.

[@UpcycleElectronics]

@@FlashPointHx I'm in South Orange County, so I'm actually all about the road bike and about as hardcore as one can get for a partially disabled gimp and ex-amateur racer. The only serious local dirt scene around here is xc, but the mountains northeast of LA are only about 1.5-2 hours away and have more serious mountain stuff. That's been my idea of a vacation in the past. Still, "a mountain bike is a great best friend, but a road bike is your lover." If I ever get in physical shape to ride long *LONG* distances again I want to visit Marin County and ride the rest of the way to Canada. At one point a friend and I were talking about doing a 4 corners of the US ride, but that's been indefinitely postponed...for now. Have fun :-) -Jake

[@FlashPointHx]

That sounds awesome! Sounds like you really love mountain biking. I can totally understand where you’re coming from. I first got into mountain biking after I saw some people doing it in Moab Utah. Since that time I’ve been back to Moab at least four times. In fact, one of the first dates that my wife and I had was a mountain biking trip there. You seem so into it, I would recommend that at one point in your life you should get out to Moab.

[@hatihattencoat5268]

Excellent channel and video

[@FlashPointHx]

Thank you!

[@drFocak]

This one realy hits in the feels

[@FlashPointHx]

Thanks - I think? Can’t tell if you liked this one or not

[@drFocak]

Loved it ! The production quality was amaizing. I was commenting on the dynamic between Alfonso and Sancho.

[@FlashPointHx]

Ah gotcha - thanks! yeah, as the name implies it was about the four generations of the Castilian monarchy during a critical time period of the Reconquista. When I did the research for this time period, this amazing relationship seemed to gleam.

[@Elliot1949]

My best wishes for you & yours. Once more, my congratulations and respect for these awesome accounts on Spain Medieval History.

[@gzpo]

And btw, superb Sound, Voice and Graphics! Many Thanks!!!

[@FlashPointHx]

Thank you! Happy that you liked it - took me awhile to find the ending song

[@steveswitzer4353]

Excellent as always all new history to me

[@FlashPointHx]

This is awesome to hear! I love opening a potential historical door to someone

[@chochonubcake]

I didn't know anything about Alfonso X before - now I see I need to look up more about his contributions and his legacy.

[@FlashPointHx]

If I can get even one person more interested in history - especially this time period, then this series is successful in my book

[@nktthegreat]

If only history had more wise kings like him. No wars only intellectual territories gained!

[@susanarodriguez4098]

Very well done !

[@FlashPointHx]

Thank you!!

[@susanarodriguez4098]

@@FlashPointHx You are welcome .

[@HellStr82]

truly he was wise even in error he did not judged in anger . rare thing for those days

[@vlkafenryka]

Simply beautiful :)

[@FlashPointHx]

Thank you!

[@cesmicbg2007]

Splendid

[@FlashPointHx]

Thanks!

[@jtf3697]

very interesting!! thank you

[@FlashPointHx]

You are so welcome - happy that you liked it

[@MoroccoGamer]

nice episode as always

[@FlashPointHx]

Thank you!

[@skpjoecoursegold366]

well done.

[@FlashPointHx]

Thanks!

[@Embracehistoria]

Very nice work my friend :D.

[@FlashPointHx]

Thank you! Your help with this was invaluable !

[@DirkusTurkess]

"I am the law!" - Alphonso X

[@FlashPointHx]

And an enlightened law - when the founding fathers of the United States looked for guidance - Alphonso was on their list.

[@teiman]

Very entertaining!, thanks!!

[@FlashPointHx]

Thanks!

[@PiazzaBass]

very nice job guys! keep on going!

[@FlashPointHx]

Thank you! Intend on continuing. However, this is just a one-man show.

[@joan9569]

STUPENDOUS, & getting better! 👀

[@FlashPointHx]

Hey thanks! I've seen your comments on a few of these videos - thanks for that!

[@susanarodriguez4098]

I'm here and will not leave .

[@nbrocx4216]

I just decided to watch this series again, because the videos are so awesome. One point caught my attention. I know you had to keep the video from getting too long. So, I understand why you didn't say much about it. But, the illness of Ferdinand must have been pretty shocking to all those around him. Trying to even imagine the pain he (as well as his father who had to outlive him) must have gone through in his illness is pretty hard for me. Really sad moment for Alphonso, Ferdinand, and most of their supporters. I pressed F to pay respects. :/

[@FlashPointHx]

This is an awesome comment! Love the fact that you are re-watching the series. Sad to say about Ferdinand de la Cerda that there just isn't that much info on him out there. I read through Kennedy, O'callaghan, Catlas, and a few others. I even contacted the author of "The Wise King" - Doubleday to see if he knew anything. A buddy of mine who lives in Spain and is creating The History of Spain podcast - even he had little knowledge of Ferdinand's death. Finally got desperate and looked at wikipedia - Nada . Most times I limit the info to keep the narrative flowing. The idea is to welcome in people who are new to the field and encourage them to look deeper if so inclined. Alas in this case there just wasn't any more information (that I could find) about the illness that took the young prince's life. Thanks for watching! The compilation video of all five parts together in one will be out on Monday. All the best!

[@nbrocx4216]

@@FlashPointHx That's the second time that you have called one of my comments as "awesome". It feels like I have achieved something great in my life. xD Thank you for your kind words. I see. I feel bad for both Alphonso and Ferdinand, but, at least, the succession crisis did not go out of hand. What about Alphonso's wife, by the way? She sounds like an intelligent and smart lady, and could probably have had a video of her own, if we knew more about her. Do we know more about her than what you have mentoned here, in this series? Sadly, women in history don't get much appreciation. So, learning about people like Berenguela, Isabel, Zenobia (and even Cleopatra) sounds unusually good. Nice. I can watch the entire compiled video in one sitting then. xD Keep up the good work.

[@FlashPointHx]

@@nbrocx4216 I say this because you put time and effort in your comments. Its good to see that my videos invoke people to think about history and the people of the past. As for Alphonso's wife - Yolant of Aragon - there is a lot of information on her. She came from noble blood and was an extremely intelligent woman. She had to broker the relations between her husband who was the King of Castile and her Father who was the King of Aragon. During the latter portion of Alphonso's reign when he was having major difficulties after the death of his son, she left him and when to reside with her father in Aragon. There was major drama to bring her back into the fold. Unfortunately that story was too much of a diversion. But again, its a good story that could have had its own video. I will be dedicating a lot of time to Isabella who is coming up soon.

[@nbrocx4216]

@@FlashPointHx Sorry for the late reply. for some reason, did not get notified about your comment. :/ I see. I remember several mentions of her in this series, but was wondering how there wasn''t a video just for Yolant, like how it was done for Berenguela. Woah. She left him at that time? That is some timing. So, by "left him", you mean, unofficially divorced Alphonso and left him forever? or, did she eventually come back to live with the king? Nice nice. As long as the workload on you is not too much, you could think about adding a video about that 'drama'. If you feel like it's not that important, leave it. It's your channel, after all. xD Awesome. I watched a video on Isabella by 'Real Crusaders History'. That video was great. Isabella truly is a fascinating historical figure. Also, if i am not mistaken, figures like Columbus and Francisco de Almeida (who I know from Age of Empires 2 campaign xD) are during the time of her and Ferdinand's rule. This has been a week of good news. xD Thanks for the immensely kind and informative conversation. Have a nice day, Flash Point History guy. xD

[@nikolak4225]

It's 2.30am i'm gonna do my best to resist watching this now half asleep to truly take it in/enjoy during the day :D

[@FlashPointHx]

Sleep well - let me know what you think of it in the morning!

[@nikolak4225]

@@FlashPointHx Great video as always, i personally would prefer more 1212 scenes in there but that's just me, and i see at the end there were no highlighted comments from me...i'll remember this XD

[@FlashPointHx]

@@nikolak4225 I'm so happy that you liked it. I love your original comment - that one is going into the next video - promise!

[@Otoño24]

Awesome depiction of historical facts presented in such colorful narrative in medieval Spain during the reign of Alfonso el Sabio. "By reorienting the work of the School of Translators of Toledo towards translating the works into Castilian instead of Latin, he encouraged the use of this then-vulgar language, laying the foundations of the Spanish language." During Spain's Golden Age or its "Siglo de Oro," (1580-1680) Spanish culture (literature: poetry, drama story, etc.; the arts: painting, drawing, sculpture and so on) have reached the crowning glory of what the wise king had started centuries before.

[@FlashPointHx]

Thank you!! I'm really happy that you liked this. This man was truly an enigma

[@thepunadude]

AWESOME PRESENTATION!! I WONDER HOW MANY OF THE 'NEW' REPS IN THE USA KNOW WHO ALPHOSOS IS/WAS?

[@FlashPointHx]

Wooooo! That’s a LOT of capitals - happy that you liked my video!!

[@Uncle_Fred]

♫ All I want to be ♫ ♫ Everyone will see ♫ ♫ is holy emperor... ♫ ♫ ..Holy Roman Emperor! ♫

[@alejandrocurti5622]

is that an actual song? Link!

[@FlashPointHx]

seriously - if this is a song, please post

[@dannyalex5866]

Just finish ur playlist.it took me some weeks

[@FlashPointHx]

Wow! That’s listening to me go on for like 14 hours - impressive!!

[@dannyalex5866]

@@FlashPointHx impressive work,didnt know much about this side of europe and the conflicts occured there,it was back and fourth

[@KingofDrama1]

really like the heart scale parts

[@FlashPointHx]

Ha! I had to channel my inner Zelda / Minecraft

[@Toto-95]

what a ride !

[@christianmorris5292]

A true philosopher king.

[@FlashPointHx]

Completely agree - I only covered a fraction of what this man came up with

[@jaewok5G]

this is more info about the iberian peninsula than i'd learned in over 20 years of education n all the documentaries of wellesley, nelson, sharpe's rifles and all the versions of zorro combined. happy vacation - costco has 8tb external hdd's for about $120

[@FlashPointHx]

hahaha - that's awesome to hear that you liked the content ! Just got a HD from samsung that should work nicely. But love costco! The one near my house also has an insane wine selection (its about 20 minutes away from Napa) - i had a friend visit and brought an extra suit case just to stock up on vino.

[@jaewok5G]

sounds dangerous. we [mass] have a small liquor section with some good n cheap vodka, whisk[e]y, n wine, but not an extensive selection. looking forward to the big installment, back up often!!

[@dragonrykr]

THE MAD KING

[@FlashPointHx]

Ha! Exactly - had to get some GOT in here someplace.

[@afifi1828]

Morocco is very underrated great nation in muslim world. People in muslim world always talk about how great and badass Ottoman Turkey. Imagine in 15th and 16th century, Morocco have to protect their nation from being conquer by world superpower at that time like Portugal, Spain and Ottoman.

[@fernandogarcia3957]

You are right, but consider how things would had happened if Columbus didn't reach America: the original plans of the Spanish Monarchy was to «retake» Northern Africa by focusing their military there in the Maghrib. Most probably you would be speaking Spanish. 😉

[@ahmedbassam400]

@@fernandogarcia3957 The only reason spain got that strong was because OF the new world. Put simply, the forces of the ottoman empire would not have accepted a complete conquest of morocco. The moroccans would also be very hard to subjugate . So Imagine an ottoman empire(which was in its prime till the 17th century) versus a spain lacking gold. But then you say, what if the ottomans did not intervene, well I would tell you that the moroccans successfully repulsed many invasions from portugal and even killed its king (1580). Morocco would certainly be a very tough enemy for spain and rebellions would be very frequent.

[@fernandogarcia3957]

@@ahmedbassam400 I agree with most of what you say. The war of Granada started another way of making war after the Succesion crisis in Castile. Now you find a bunch of noblemen that instead of fighting each other, are focused on obeying the Catholic Kings and being directed instead of squabbling among them. The Spanish didn't find much gold in America, it was mostly silver and only 20% came to Spain. No, it wasn't the gold nor silver, Isabel and Fernando were the best kings Spain has ever had, there are other things that can explain without being money the sole reason for success. It was organisation, discipline and use of arkbusiers or musket with pikes in the tactical area, for example. The crossbowman changes to arkbusier, as later in Lepanto.

[@fernandogarcia3957]

@@aB-of1nz Then why do you watch videos about reprehensible people?stay cool in your northern mist, ignorant racist!

[@afifi1828]

@@fernandogarcia3957 It is sad that Morocco do not have great navy. Imagine if Morocco have great navy, maybe they can explore america new world

[@malahamavet]

You forgot mentioning that he created the Toledo's translators school where wise men from the three cultures (islamic jewish christian) translated and preserved ancient texts such as the greek texts rescued bu the muslims. Thanks to that, lots of ancient texts survived. Also during his reign, all three cultures lived together in peace and shared their knowledge between them. Even people from the neighbouring kingdoms came to Toledo. As far as i know, is the only one who could unite the three cultures. Also it's quite a shame you didn't put any of his songs in the video, some of them are really good and have that medieval feel to it, instead of using guitar songs which are very futuristic but the video was great. It's not anybody's fault this man did so many good things. They say he even wrote horror stories haha

[@FlashPointHx]

Take a look back at some of my previous episodes - I bring this up then. I was unable to find any of the songs from the Cantigas de Santa Maria that we’re not royalty free / copyright free.

[@malahamavet]

@@FlashPointHx that's a shame, i never understood why some people put copyright to old music when the real authors are long gone. It's such a shame, maybe those performances are copyrighted to those who played them, but iv'e also seen very nice covers of the cantigas. Maybe you could use one of those, they are made by regular people hahaha It's not mandatory, it's just me wanting foreigners to see that Spain has medieval music as well. Some people think in spain there's only flamenco. But then they listen to spanish medieval music or classical music without even knowing it.

[@FlashPointHx]

Well I still have the Nasrids and then isabella to cover so perhaps i can use that music then. Send me a link if you find something that’s not copyrighted

[@enriquepascual8767]

Flash, you would love this for your Isabel episode, a folia, this one is the most famous from 1490, Rodrigo Martinez, folias (the crazyness) became famous throughout Europe, they were born in the Kingdom of Leon https ://m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaKZq2eFm6qdp9U

[@kkme503]

​@@malahamavet I think the owner is the king of Spain.

[@nbrocx4216]

Thanks a lot for the video. Hope you are enjoying your vacation. Sorry for posting this so late. I read about Alphonso X as well as Sancho iV on wikipedia. And, it doesn't mention anything about Sancho's illness at the time. It says that Alphonso was forced to accept Sancho as successor, over his grandson(s). Now, I have heard many say that Wiki isn't 100% accurate. But, after watching your video, I do feel like it seems unlikely that Alphonso would have forgiven his son and asked for...uh...his 'absolution' (I think that was the word used here.) It probably makes more sense to me that Alphonso X still refused to forgive Sancho for what he did, and wanted his grandson to be the next king (with somebody as regent ofc), but was forced to accept Sancho as the next king. However, the point you mentioned about Father-Son relationship is a very good one, and should be considered as a possibility too. After all, he wasn't Alphonso the Wise for no reason. I don't know which viewpoint to believe. It is quite unfortunate though. Ferdinand de la Cerda's unexpected death, to me, is really sad. Probably, on par with the death of Edward the Black Prince. Just imagine, years of bloodshed could have been averted, had Edward not succumbed to disease. I do not know a lot about history. So, I don't think I can understand what was the mentality and beliefs of people in those times. But, thanks a lot, man, for introducing me to Alphonso the Wise, his father Ferdinand, the 3 famous Abd-al-Rahmans, and last, but not least, Berenguela. I got interested in history only a few years ago, and channels like yours are greatly to thank. So, thank you very much.

[@FlashPointHx]

thank you for this awesome comment! I love to see people get more interested in history - if my content helps, then so much the better. When you get into history podcasting and then history youtubing- it is only a matter of time before you start meeting some of the other people that are doing it and you form a community. Whenever we see people bring up wikipedia as a source it usually brings a chuckle - its never a good reference. I used Simon Doubleday's book as he was very well researched and had an extensive bibliography. Furthermore he can read and write in medieval Castilian so he has the ability to look at more first source material. I actually contacted him via twitter to get a better understanding myself. That said - there is a great saying that "follow those who search for the truth - avoid those who feel they know the truth". No one can know for sure what happened during this time period - its based on an educated guess. People who leave comments stating that such and such event happened EXACTLY as they say - I find dismissible. The whole purpose of creating these videos is to get people interested so they can take that extra step and look for themselves. Hope this helps and again, thank you for the awesome comment!

[@nbrocx4216]

@@FlashPointHx I'm sorry. I type a lot. xD Will have to split my answer into 2-3 comments. Forgive me for boring you out with my incredibly long answers :P Thank you very much for calling my comment 'awesome'. Much appreciated. :) Your content does help. A lot. To me at least. I really like your perspective on historical events. The Punic Wars was one piece of amazing work. I remember you telling in one video that 'Charles Martel was great...blah blah... but, in my opinion, he is slightly overrated.' That could have made some people attack you in the comment section. Yet, you were so bold to say it. Really admire that in you, man. I hope you continue doing this: giving your perspectives without being affected by what people might think. Because, to someoone, like me, who did not like history at one point of time, these perspectives are necessary. They are unique, and make me think about history from a different, amazing angle. Really, Thank you so much for this. :D

[@nbrocx4216]

@@FlashPointHx Hmm. I see. In the beginning of 2016 (when I first came across BazBattles and Kings&Generals), I used to clear my doubts about what was not mentioned in their videos, by going through wiki. Then, I realized it myself, that Wiki is not 100% accurate. Nothing is. Also, a video by OverlySarcasticProductions tells how wiki is not good for learning directly, but, a very good site for the sources (primary as well as secondary) that the wiki authors use for history, which might atually be useful. I thought that was a cool idea. Maybe, a well-respected historian such as yourself could tell me if they are correct or not. Are they? xD That saying....so beautiful. I have had so many doubts on history. And, I always thought, "History is written by winners. So, how can we be sure which parts of history are actually true, and which are absolutely made up to glorify people/empires?" Sadly. This never got answered for me. Thanks for this quote. I am gonna screenshot this comment of yours, to remember the great things you said here. xD No, but seriously. I am gonna save that quote. It's too good.

[@nbrocx4216]

@@FlashPointHx I think you have succeded in your purpose. If someone like me, who, at one point of time, disliked history, could like watching one video of yours, followed by all the videos on this channel, you have done well, sir. Yes, this has helped. I did not know about Alphonso the Wise until I saw your videos. I am glad I watched these videos. He was a great ruler. I wish I knew more about him, so that I could praise him more. xD Hey, btw, I have a lot of questions related to history, in different time periods. Some of them are during Alexander the Great's time, some during Justinian's, some during Khalid ibn-al Walid (Yeah, i messed up the hyphns as well as the spelling. Sorry.), some during the time of Alexios Komnenos etc.... Is it okay if I ask here? I have asked them on various other videos/blogs. And, so far, haven't yet received an answer. Thanks if you can. No problem, if you are too busy. Kep doing what you do best. You have my support. Have a nice day.

[@FlashPointHx]

First and foremost - your answers aren’t boring or long winded - they are thoughtful and engaging. That comment on Martel did give me a lot of flack - but that’s the point - to encourage discussion. It’s not just about the videos, but an online community where people can bring up their viewpoints. I’ve been at this ‘War of the Worlds’ series for two years. I’ve interacted with people from all walks of life and from all over the word that have brought me a better understanding of this history. People whose ancestors fought on both sides of the Reconquista or who live in the places that I’ve talked about. I can’t think of anything more enriching.

[@lascaux4497]

Where is the video of the next episode of Reconquista - Next Generation Part 6?... if there is any. But it shows that the continuation is the next video Episode XI - Reconquista The Last Kingdom of Islam yet I cannot find it on the entire video compilation or uploads. Please help me which video is the Next to be watched

[@FlashPointHx]

This was designed originally as a podcast - so I created one hour (ish) audio episodes for download on iTunes. The far I have 10 Episodes - and 2 bonus episodes. But for KZbin I had to slice them up in to smaller parts. Episode XI is being produced now.

[@thewayofaxiom]

Viva Espana!!

[@jojolafrite9265]

VIVA!!!

[@Newidhan]

I really like the music choices for the most part (those that aren't royalty free ones that i also may or may not know from hentai games i may or may not have played

[@FlashPointHx]

Hard to come across decent (and free) music

[@Newidhan]

@@FlashPointHx I know it is. It's just when you spend a few hours listening to the same two or three free tracks playing during some hentai game, and then you hear the same track on your some of your favorite KZbin channels xD makes ya feel awkward

[@rainbowdash4061]

I'm just wondering ever since you did video on of Ferdinand III warrior king of Castile, and that you zoomed in on Seville and showed how the siege/investment began and ended. Will you soon show other battles and sieges when zoom in on them?

[@FlashPointHx]

absolutely! Going forward, there are two major battles during the time of the Nasrid Emirate of Granada that I want to cover in detail - that of The Vega and Rio Salado.

[@rainbowdash4061]

Rio Salado! Oh now that's gonna be awesome!@@FlashPointHx

[@westernpolitix]

A great video to watch just in time for breakfast haha

[@FlashPointHx]

hahaha! I do that some times as well - youtube and breakfast

[@westernpolitix]

@@FlashPointHx We surely can agree that it is a great combination xdd

[@dansmith3343]

My man. You did it again. Awesome work. So what were the troops looking like at this point? Equipment wise? Muslim and Christian.

[@FlashPointHx]

Thanks! Late 13th cen - we are still dealing with fancy plate mail and crazy long swords and crossbow. But we are rapidly heading into gunpowder. By 1344 you have Castilians using cannon on Nasrid (Granada) fortifications. Muslims would have this tech shortly thereafter. The guns (at least the cannon) get only bigger from there!

[@dansmith3343]

@@FlashPointHx I hope you drift into other crusades too. I mean do every single war ever waged before 1800..that'd be best.

[@FlashPointHx]

Hahaha - every war waged before 1800 - would take a lifetime to do a single century

[@dansmith3343]

@@FlashPointHx I'm gonna join your patreon soon as I get to the bank. I seen you're complete reconquista video has over 200k views. Good work! I mean you're on par with baz and kings and generals and I like your animations way more. Keep it up

[@FlashPointHx]

KZbin seems to favor the longer vids - I’m going to combine the five parts of episode X into one movie - it will be nearly two hours long. No rush on Patreon - appreciate your comment and being apart of this history online community either way.

[@SupremelyFly]

Alfonso X, a very interesting character. I don't know whether he was as good a king as his father, a better king, or a worse king. I guess cases could be made for all three. Regardless this stuff is better than anything you could find on TV. Full of plot twists all over. When Alfonso left to meet the pope and you said father and son will never meet again, I was expecting Alfonso to die. His son randomly getting sick and dying was a complete surprise. And then of course that shocking alliance with the Maranids. And then finally, when he didn't execute his son and then forgiving him later, even giving him back his inheritence. My favourite part of history is that it's better than anything the human imagination can come up with. P. S Is Mohammed's ladder the story of his journey to Jerusalem and ascension into the heavens? Or is it something else? I would find it amusing actually if Dante's divine comedy was based on Mohammed. P.P.S I finally caught up to your series and it's been amazing. I'm really excited for the next episode.

[@FlashPointHx]

Thank you so much for making this comment! When I was creating this episode I kept coming across these plot twists and I arranged the video to emphasize them. I left the 4th video on a cliff hanger - where "father and son would never meet again". I'm happy that you appreciated this! Someone commented they didn't like the cliffhanger approach, but I think it makes the history more engaging. Along with the other twists in fate that you have mentioned. The best part as you stated was, this actually happened. Again, thank you so much for recognizing this! As for Muhammed's ladder - I haven't read it, just the synopsis - but it is about his Journey to Heaven. Hence the divine comedy could have some of its inspiration in the Koran. Furthermore, Dante had respect for Islamic culture - indeed he placed great Islamic thinkers (readily coming to mind Averroes) in the first circle of hell along with exalted people like Plato and Aristotle. As for the next episode - working on that now! It saddens me a little as we are coming to the end of Al Andalus. Take care!

[@SupremelyFly]

@@FlashPointHx They way your doing it is very good. Humans naturally remember better when presented information in a narrative. And adding emotions like excitement and suspense should help imprint it further into our memory. Maybe that person disliked it because it's not what he's used to, but I think it's refreshing.

[@jasonpalacios1363]

The way I realize it is that if these Spanish Christians would have united themselves from the beginning instead of constantly fighting with each other,these series of battles would have ended way before 1492.

[@FlashPointHx]

You are totally right. In fact after Alfonso X, Castile and Aragon would be at each other's throats. It was the only way that Granada would manage to live on for 250 years!

[@jasonpalacios1363]

@@FlashPointHx And yet the Spanish today gets very angry when you tell them about the 781 year Islamic rule in the Iberian Peninsula.

[@jasonpalacios1363]

@@FlashPointHx I mean even the Portuguese finished their wars against the Muslims earlier than the Spanish did.

[@FlashPointHx]

And yet al Andalus lasted 781 years - which is longer than Spain has been around

[@FlashPointHx]

Well the Portuguese manage to finish everything by about 1249. At that point they had no more space on the Iberian Peninsula to expand into.

[@philipampofo6435]

Okay. So i’ve looked this up on the few sources i can find. They all say that Sancho’s rebellion was actually successful, Alfonso’s alliance with the Marinids largely faied and he died ‘defeated and deserted’ in Seville and left the throne to his grandson in his will but Sancho disregarded this and became King in any case as he had the support of the nobility. This is very different to the triumphant ending portrayed here.

[@FlashPointHx]

I think I've read some of these same references - but they consider it 'successful' because he became the next king - not so much as his father putting back in line. A lot of sources gloss over the conflict involved

[@philipampofo6435]

Flash Point History even apart from his coronation as King, it says that the Marinid-Alfonso alliance was largelybdefeated and that Alfonso died a broken man having effectively lost most of Castille. I looked at a couple of Spanish language videos here and they say the same.

[@FlashPointHx]

@@philipampofo6435 I saw some of these references as well and there is no doubt that the man died a broken man. But again the sources I found on him were not always consistent. In the end, I based my narrative from Simon Doubleday's book "The Wise King" - I even contacted the man on his sources via twitter. From all the sources out there, he seems to have dedicated a portion of his life to coming up with this book and he bases this on a massive collection of references.

[@sultanofswing5115]

Great job! What is the name of the guitar song towards the end?

[@FlashPointHx]

Its El Castillo De Santiago by Claudie Mackula

[@rexadebayo3380]

All I can say is Oooh la la!

[@FlashPointHx]

Hahaha - take it that you likes this part?

[@rexadebayo3380]

@@FlashPointHx You see those lines where you said ''It does not matter what society you are from, what language you speak or what religion you adhere to or what time period you live in, no parent should have to bury their child''? It is a deep deep one.

[@FlashPointHx]

That did come across strong. Wanted to emphasize how much psychological trauma Alphonso had to go through

[@Brahmdagh]

So what did Marinis gain from aiding Alfonso at that crucial time again?

[@FlashPointHx]

As the kingdoms of the Iberian Peninsula would be at each other's throats - the Marinids would find it happy hunting grounds to raid. Whats more, as trade began to become much more important, control over the strait of Gibraltar would become ever more important. In a word - money - was the major gain

[@Brahmdagh]

@@FlashPointHx How far north did the Moroccan armies go in that campaign? Would have been a sight seeing a Castilian king, leading a mainly N.African/Muslim army, against Christians, in the center of Spain :D

[@FlashPointHx]

@@Brahmdagh Per the chronicle the North African Armies made it past Toledo

[@alexandrub8786]

13:53 the wording of that message made it look like Alfonso and his son aren't christians.

[@FlashPointHx]

Perhaps - but that is a direct quote coming from Alphonso X

[@evvec1490]

Oh wow just discovery this channel... alright time for sub this channel

[@FlashPointHx]

Awesome! Good to have you here .

[@Daughterofminerva]

I feel sorry for Alphonso. He made lots of wrong decisions, he didn't achieve his life-long goal of becoming emperor, he faced countless fights with his nobles and friends, and especially he lost his first-borne and cherished son without being with him at his deathbed. A parent should never bury his child. But he also achieved a lot and he left his mark in history. In addition, you must admire the man's ability to slip out of a problematic situation,like his son's rebellion. Lesser kings would have lost their throne and been imprisoned.

[@goldentaco4970]

Another great video. I cant wait to see the last kingdom of Islam and then off to Mexico with Cortez. 😉

[@FlashPointHx]

We'll be making a major detour with Isabella along the way. Happy you liked it !

[@goldentaco4970]

@@FlashPointHx I have no issue with that. I like the detailed information. I may have to watch some of the videos again because there is so much info I missed a lot. Lol

[@ZigZagKid_AZ]

Who became emperor then?

[@sahhaf1234]

when will be the next narrative episode?

[@FlashPointHx]

Episode XI is nearly done - should have it out on podcast - that is AUDIO only - by late next week

[@sahhaf1234]

@@FlashPointHx That's great. I'm very, very happy hearing that.. Thanks for all your efforts.

[@user-RanSolo]

A Moroccan with Spanish ancestors passed by here .

[@FlashPointHx]

Good to have you here!

[@gilgameschvonuruk4982]

are those berber symbols in your username?

[@user-RanSolo]

@@gilgameschvonuruk4982 yes they are, my name in Amazigh (berber).

[@FlashPointHx]

Do you have a link where one can see the entire Berber alphabet?

[@gilgameschvonuruk4982]

@@FlashPointHx de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tifinagh-Schrift