CHAPTER XXII

TERMINATION OF THE RECONQUEST

Summary of the Causes of the Decay of the Moslem Empire--Loja taken by Storm--Progress of the Feud between Al-Zagal and Boabdil--The Christians assist the Latter--Anarchy in Granada--Siege of Velez--Ineffectual Attempt of Al-Zagal to relieve it--Surrender of the City--Situation of Malaga--Its Delightful Surroundings--Its Vast Commercial and Manufacturing Interests--It is invested by Ferdinand--Desperate Resistance of the Garrison--Its Sufferings--Capitulation of the City--Enslavement of the Population--Duplicity of the Spanish Sovereigns--War with Al-Zagal--Siege of Baza--Discontent of the Christian Soldiery--Energy and Firmness of the Queen--Embassy from the Sultan--Baza surrenders--Al-Zagal relinquishes His Crown--War with Boabdil--The Last Campaign--Blockade of Granada--Distress of Its Inhabitants--Submission of the Capital--Fate of Boabdil--Isabella the Inspiring Genius of the Conquest 595

HISTORY

OF THE

MOORISH EMPIRE IN EUROPE

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