Discuss the reasons for, and the results of, religious coexistence in Spain and/or Sicily.

Candidates are required to offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons for and results of religious coexistence. They may comment on coexistence between Christians and Muslims and Christians and Jews. Candidates may focus on a range of Spanish kingdoms, or they may refer to states collectively and assess a range of reasons and consequences. Some candidates may argue that tolerance was a tradition of Islam, particularly in Andalus, and had been so since conquests in the 8th century. As such, Christians and Muslims—as well as Jews—were accustomed to living together harmoniously. This led to the Golden Age of Culture with great emphasis on literature, art and architecture, mathematics and science. Some may argue that levels of tolerance varied at different periods and in different states. There may be specific reference to Reconquista and its impact on religious coexistence.