The Muslim kingdom of Granada, founded early in the thirteenth century out of the remnants of Almoravid power in Spain, comprises, principally, the area of the modern provinces of Granada, Málaga, and Almería.

Its founder, Abu 'Abd Allah ibn Yusuf ibn Nasr al-Ahmar, who had in 1238 become king, as Mohammad I, in 1246 secures the recognition of Ferdinand III of Castile, his neighbor on all landed frontiers, in return for a vassalage.

Ferdinand III besieges and captures the Moorish stronghold of Seville, the capital of al-Andalus, in 1248.

Following their victory, the Spanish Christian conquerors evict the defeated Moorish inhabitants from their homes, and assume control of vast estates.

(The eventual result of this act, perpetrated for the first time in Muslim Spain, will be economic ruination in the region.)