The European point is called the Rock of Gibraltar; the African, Abyla, or Apes' Hill, from the number of apes that have made their home on it.
Morocco is ruled by a Sultan, whose authority is supreme.
The Moors, as the inhabitants of this country are called, are a very ancient and warlike people, who were at one time a very powerful race.
In the twelfth century they conquered Andalusia, Valencia, and a part of Aragon in Spain, together with a portion of Portugal. In Spain they established the Kingdom of Granada, about which so many enchanting poems and romances have been written.
In the city of Granada they built the famous Alhambra. This magnificent palace and citadel was built by the Moorish kings of Granada in the thirteenth century. The Royal Villa, the Generaliffe, which is also in the city of Granada, was built about the same time.
The Alhambra and the Generaliffe are considered two of the most beautiful buildings in the world. The architecture and the decorations are perfect in detail and execution. You must read some time Washington Irving's "Alhambra." It is filled with interesting legends of these Moorish palaces.
The Moors were driven out of Spain in the fifteenth century.
They are still a very warlike people, and have had frequent campaigns against France and Spain.
Their country is supposed to be very rich in minerals, but as yet it has not been developed.