It was introduced into Europe by the Spanish Arabs.

Spain was the focal point from which, issuing forth, it affected the ranks of intelligence and fashion all over Europe, and in Spain it had a melancholy end.
The Spanish khalifs had surrounded themselves with all the luxuries of Oriental life.

They had magnificent palaces, enchanting gardens, seraglios filled with beautiful women.

Europe at the present day does not offer more taste, more refinement, more elegance, than might have been seen, at the epoch of which we are speaking, in the capitals of the Spanish Arabs.

Their streets were lighted and solidly paved.