The region of the world that was directly affected by the so-called Reconquista, or Reconquest, that lasted for over 500 years and ended in 1492 CE is the Iberian Peninsula, specifically Spain and Portugal.
1. The Reconquista refers to the centuries-long campaign by Christian kingdoms in the Iberian Peninsula to recapture territories that were under Muslim control, particularly the areas ruled by the Moors.
2. The Moors, who were of North African and Arab descent, had conquered and established Muslim rule in parts of the Iberian Peninsula in the early 8th century.
3. The Reconquista started in the early 8th century and continued until the fall of the last Muslim stronghold, Granada, in 1492 CE.
4. The Christian kingdoms of Spain, including Castile, Aragon, and Navarre, gradually pushed back Muslim rule through a series of military campaigns, sieges, and alliances over the course of several centuries.
5. The Reconquista had a profound impact on the region, shaping its history, culture, and religious landscape.
6. It led to the establishment of Christian dominance and the eventual unification of Spain under the Catholic Monarchs, Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon.
7. The end of the Reconquista also marked the beginning of a new era of exploration and colonization, with Spain and Portugal taking the lead in exploring and colonizing the Americas.
8. The legacy of the Reconquista can still be seen today in the cultural and architectural landmarks of Spain and Portugal, as well as the influence of Christianity in the region.
In summary, the Reconquista directly affected the Iberian Peninsula, particularly Spain and Portugal, as it was a prolonged struggle to retake territories from Muslim rule and ultimately led to the establishment of Christian dominance in the region.