The Almoravids were a Berber Muslim dynasty that emerged in the 11th century in present-day Morocco. They initially formed as a religious movement to purify Islam and expand its influence in North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula. The Almoravids established a vast empire that included parts of modern-day Morocco, Algeria, and Spain, known for its military prowess and architectural achievements. Their rule marked a significant period in medieval history, influencing trade, culture, and Islamic scholarship in the region.