The Moors were a group of Muslim peoples, primarily of North African origin, who invaded and settled in the Iberian Peninsula during the early Middle Ages. Their presence began in 711 AD, leading to the establishment of the Umayyad Caliphate in parts of modern-day Spain and Portugal. The Moors significantly influenced the region's culture, architecture, and agriculture. Over several centuries, the Moors contributed to advancements in science, mathematics, and philosophy, fostering a rich cultural exchange. Their rule lasted until the late 15th century, culminating in the Reconquista, when Christian kingdoms gradually reclaimed the territory, ending Moorish dominance in 1492.