CHAPTER XXX

AGRICULTURE, MANUFACTURES, AND COMMERCE OF THE EUROPEAN MOSLEMS; THEIR MANNERS, CUSTOMS, AND AMUSEMENTS

Disappearance of the Memorials of Arab Civilization--Agricultural System of the Spanish Moors--Its Wonderful Perfection--Irrigating Apparatus--The Tribunal of the Waters--The Work of Ibn-al-Awam--Universal Cultivation of the Soil--Mineral Resources of the Peninsula--Manufactures--The Great Moslem Emporiums of the Mediterranean--Commerce--Its Extensive Ramifications--Articles of Traffic--Commercial Prosperity of Sicily--The Magnetic Needle--Gunpowder and Artillery--War--Coinage--Characteristics of the Khalifs--Demoralization of the People--The Bath--General Prevalence of Superstition--Social Life of the Moslems of Europe--Privileges of Women--Polygamy and Morals--Slavery--Amusements--The Game of Chess--Other Pastimes--Dances--Music--Equestrian Sports--The Bull Fight--The Tilt of Reeds--The Course of the Rings--Hawking--Peculiarities of Hispano-Arab Civilization--The Crusades--Their Effect on Christendom--Unrivalled Achievements of the Moors in Europe--Conclusion 595

HISTORY

OF THE

MOORISH EMPIRE IN EUROPE

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