The Complexories of Moorish Invasion and Iberian Complex Skin Tonages

The Moors, often perceived as dark-skinned invaders who would be surprised by the lighter complexion of the Iberians, were not the ones who invaded Spain. Spain, as we know it, was not conceived during their heyday. Instead, they invaded part of Hispania, which encompasses the Iberian Peninsula.

The Moors were a mix of North African Berbers and Arabs and likely had a keen understanding of the diversity of the Iberian Peninsula. While they were indeed dark-skinned, they encountered a range of people with various skin tones, reflecting the more diverse population of Europe than often assumed.

Cultural and Racial Interactions During the Moors' Occupation

The perception of skin color during the Moors' occupation was shaped by cultural and racial interactions. The Moors, like other Mediterranean populations, had genetic and phenotypic diversity, and this was reflected in their physical appearance.

No Surprise at Light Complexion

There's no indication that the Moors were surprised by the lighter skin tones of the Iberians. Rather, they were more interested in the rich lands and resources of the Iberian Peninsula, which they added to their fold.

Genetic and Phenotypic Diversity

Most Berbers were actually lighter-skinned than many Iberians. Blond and blue-eyed features in southern Spain often trace back to African tribes from the Rif. The Guanches, the native inhabitants of the Canary Islands, were also known for their lighter features, including blonde hair and blue eyes.

Diverse Moors and Their Origin

The first invaders were primarily Berbers from North Africa, with a few Arabs in leadership positions. Berbers looked different from each other, depending on their origins. Those from the Atlas Mountains, more fertile and populated regions, had darker complexions, closer to modern Berbers and Arabo-Berbers from the same area.

Historical Context and Cultural Identification

The term "Moor" was a broad catch-all term used by Iberians and later Europeans to describe anyone from North Africa with a Muslim background. It wasn't a homogenous ethnic group but rather a diverse group of people belonging to large Caliphates that included various peoples.

DNA Studies and Genetic Diversity

Genetic evidence supports the idea that North African populations, including those in the Canary Islands, had significant genetic ties to Iberian populations, going back to the Neolithic era. The Sahrawi people, considered the closest modern-day genetic relatives to Iberomaurusians from 15,000 years ago, are still distinct from Sub-Saharan Africans and their ancient DNA indicates a structured genetic landscape that predates the Arab-Islamic expansion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Moors were not a monolithic group, and their physical attributes varied greatly. They were no more surprised by the light skin of the Iberians than any other well-traveled Mediterranean group would have been. The reality is that Iberian and North African populations have deep historical and genetic ties that predate the Moorish invasions by thousands of years.

References and Further Reading

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