CHAPTER XXI

THE LAST WAR WITH GRANADA

Description of Granada--Its Wealth, Prosperity, and Civilization--Its Cities--Beauty and Splendor of the Capital--The Alhambra--Condition and Power of the Spanish Monarchy--Character of Ferdinand--Character of Isabella--Muley Hassan and His Family--Storming of Zahara--Alhama surprised by the Christians--Siege of that City and Repulse of the Moors--Sedition at Granada--Ferdinand routed at Loja--Foray of Muley Hassan--Expedition to the Ajarquia--Defeat and Massacre of the Castilians--Boabdil attacks Lucena and is captured--Destructive Foray of the Christians--Boabdil is released and returns to Granada--Renewal of Factional Hostility in the Moorish Capital--Moslem and Christian Predatory Inroads--Siege and Capture of Ronda--Embassy from Fez--Al-Zagal becomes King--Defeat of the Court of Cabra at Moclin--Division of the Kingdom of Granada--Its Disastrous Effects 510