The Alhambra
Ancient Megastructures
The palace of Alhambra, built in medieval Granada, Spain, is the greatest example of Islamic military architecture in Europe. In 1238, the Moorish Sultan Muhammad I withdraws to this region to create a bastion that would protect his family against Christian attack. Against the backdrop of war and terror, he begins a construction project that will span more than one and a half centuries. We reveal the history of engineering one of the most beautiful palaces in the world amidst the chaos of Holy War.
The history of engineering the Alhambra, built in medieval Granada, Spain – the greatest example of Islamic military architecture in Europe.
Just how did Sultan Muhammad I construct such an impregnable fortress? How did he raise water from the river Darro 100 metres below to irrigate its gardens – a novel system known as acequias? And why is Greek geometry a crucial part of this Muslim masterpiece? This documentary brings to life the history of architecture and treacherous political betrayals that gave birth to what is arguably the most glorious example of Moorish architecture in existence.
The palace of Alhambra and the magnificent gardens of the Generalife, the former rural residence of the emirs who ruled this part of Spain in the 13th and 14th centuries, still tower above a modern town.
