The Arabic influence covered a period between 711 and 1492AD. Modern Spanish developed around the end of this period and was, as a result strongly influenced by Arabic speech learn to speak Spanish. This influence increased as the Kingdom of Castile expanded into Muslim lands on the Iberian peninsular where the Castilian language had never been used. The Arabic influence was further increased by Christians who having lived in areas dominated by Arabs, moved north to escape sectarian violence in Muslim lands and brought the Arabic influence with them.