Eleventh century: The Muslim government in Spain is in a state of collapse. Small Christian kingdoms, some won through the efforts of El Cid, divide the land.

Seventeenth century: Spain is united and almost entirely Christian as, over the years, non-Christians and Muslims were either persecuted, converted to Christianity, or forced to leave the country.

Today: After many decades of a Franco dictatorship, Spain has a democratic constitution and is a member of the European Union.

Eleventh century: The topic of drama, the costumes, and the actors are reflective of the laws of the Roman Catholic Church. Plays are usually performed by priests, and the subject matter is based on religious topics and church law.

Seventeenth century: Neoclassic tragedies (in which nobility is involved and someone dies) and comedies (which revolved around the common person and domestic affairs) are the two most successful types...