Langobardi would thus signify "people of
the long bord of the river."
SARACENS IN SPAIN: BATTLE OF THE GUADALETE
A.D. 711
AHMED IBN MAHOMET AL-MAKKARI
When assailed by the Saracen power, the Gothic kingdom in Spain,
which had endured for three centuries, had long been suffering a
decline. Political disorders and social demoralization had made its
condition such as might well invite the Moslem armies, flushed with
victories on the African side, to cross the narrow Strait of
Gibraltar for new conquests.
The final subjection of North Africa had been accomplished by the
Arab general, Musa Ibn Nosseyr, only the fortress of Ceuta, on the
shore of the strait, still remaining in possession of the Goths.
The Saracens knew that a fresh revolution in Spain had placed on
the throne Roderic--who proved to be the last of the Gothic kings.
At Ceuta the commandant, Count Ilyan (Julian), when he was
attacked, made a feeble defence, virtually betraying the post into
the hands of the Moslems.
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