Answer:
I think the answer is the word "territories" in the last sentence in the first paragraph "As the centuries went on, however, Christian forces began to take control of Spanish territories."
Step-by-step explanation:
The word "territories" is just a plural for of the word "territory", which means:
ter·ri·to·ry
/ˈterəˌtôrē/
noun
Definition:
1. An area of land under the jurisdiction of a ruler or state.
"sorties into enemy territory"
Similar:
2.(especially in the US, Canada, or Australia) an organized division of a country that is not yet admitted to the full rights of a state.
Hope this helps! ;)