Almohad

/ˈælmoʊˌhɑːd/ noun

Definition

A member of a powerful Islamic dynasty and religious movement that ruled North Africa and Spain from the 12th to 13th centuries.

Etymology

From Arabic al-muwahhidun (الموحدون) meaning 'the unitarians,' referring to their strict monotheistic doctrine. The movement began in Morocco and expanded to become a major medieval empire. The name emphasizes their reform-focused Islamic theology.

Kelly Says

The Almohads built an empire stretching from West Africa to Spain and left behind some of the world's most beautiful Islamic architecture, yet most people have never heard of them! They were as influential as the Ottoman Empire but in an earlier period.

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