Above the veneer was painted plaster, with decorations of geometric architectural and sub-floral motifs in green, yellow, red and black on white ground — non-figurative subjects be it noted.

If we were to leave, the economic impact on a number of European countries would be severe.

On September 5, 1082, Gonzalo Salvadorez bade farewell to the monastery of Oña, and, as was the custom of all who were about to set out for war, made his will. “[…] If I be slain by the Moors, I commend my soul to God and my mortal remains to Oña, to whose altar I bequeath 1,600 maravedis, three of my best horses, two mules, my clothing with two robes of ciclatoun and three purple cloaks, and also two silver goblets. […]”[…]Among the knights who appear at the King’s Court magnificently arrayed in coloured robes and fur cloaks, the Campeador, “he of the great beard”, is an outstanding figure, and his dress is described in detail: hose of good material; elaborate shoes; a shirt of the finest linen, embroidered in gold and silver at the neck and cuffs; a rich tunic of ciclatoun, interwoven with gold; and, over this, the garment that specially distinguished him, a red pelisse with gold borders; then, over all, his priceless mantle. There is nothing Oriental about this dress. Although the costly, gold-woven cloth called ciclatoun would come generally from the East, the material was in use throughout Europe.

I mean, I've got a glowing tan and a faboo haircut, no less than four shades of blond perfectly showcasing said tan, and the whole package is tied together nicely with proper accessories and well-tailored pants. What's not to like?