Mudéjar aristocratic art was created by the kings and their entourage of noblemen in an attempt to imitate the Islamic palaces whose magnificence they had witnessed on ambassadorial business. As the Christian kings conquered the towns of al-Andalus, the sumptuous living rooms, gardens and bedrooms of the Andalusian palaces became royal residences and the backdrop for aristocratic life, a deliberate expression of dominance over the enemy and admiration for its art. At this same time, the new palaces copied the use of plaster- and brickwork, the sophisticated interior decoration and the harmonious arrangements of courtyards and gardens. The Aljafería Palace, Royal Citadel and the Sintra Palace are good examples of the re-use of Andalusian palaces by Christian kings.