Al-Andalus: Society, Economy, and the Christian Kingdoms

Posted on Mar 7, 2025 in Geography

Al-Andalus: Society, Economy, and Christian Kingdoms

Abderrahman III was the last independent emir and the first Umayyad caliph of Cordoba.

Almanzor was a military leader who gained power over Christians.

Parts of a Mosque

  • Minaret (tower)
  • Font of ablutions
  • Courtyard (patio)
  • Quibla (direction of Mecca on the wall)
  • Mihrab (niche indicating the direction of Mecca)
  • Prayer hall

Society in Al-Andalus

Arabs, Berbers, Muladies, Mozarabs, Jews, and Slaves

Arabs and Families of Arab Descent

  • Dominant social group
  • Owned latifundia (large estates)
  • Held political power
  • Settled in the Guadalquivir region and the East of the Iberian Peninsula

Berbers

  • Came from the north of Africa
  • Converted to Islam
  • Livestock farmers, agricultural workers, or soldiers
  • Discriminated against by Arabs (Arabs took the better lands and territories)
  • Settled in the west of Cordillera Bética, Serranía de Ronda, Levante, and North Plateau (Submeseta Norte)

Muladies

  • Native Christians of the Iberian Peninsula converted to Islam
  • Agricultural workers
  • Very few Muladi families reached important political posts

Mozarabs

  • Natives of the Iberian Peninsula who maintained their Christian beliefs (non-converted to Islam)
  • Lived in separated neighborhoods in the cities
  • Had to pay more taxes

Jews

  • Lived in separated neighborhoods (Jewish quarters = “juderías”)
  • Gathered in their own temples (synagogues)
  • Craftspeople, traders, moneylenders, and doctors
  • Maintained their religion
  • Had to pay more taxes

Slaves

  • Worked as servants, in the mines, or in the latifundia
  • Could be slaves for two reasons:
    • Descendants of slaves and brought in slave market
    • Prisoners in the war against the Christian kingdoms

Economy in Al-Andalus

Agriculture = Main economic activity, Crops

Technological Advances

Irrigation systems like waterwheels, ditches, and wells. Also, terraces on mountains for agriculture.

Livestock Farming

Sheep, bees, and pigeons breeding (food and messengers).

Craftwork and Trade

Great advances in craftwork: textiles, ceramics, iron… (destined to be exported).

Trade

Big development thanks to the strategic position of Al-Andalus. Imported products: raw materials (gold, animal skins, and metals), weapons, luxury products, and slaves.

Exported Products

Craftwork products, oil, and cloth.

Trade Methods

  • Barter / Switch (“trueque”)
  • Coins (made in a mint)

Trade took place in the souks of the Muslim cities.

Christian Kingdoms

Kingdom of Asturias

Origins: Asturian tribes + Visigoth refugees defeated Muslims in the battle of Covadonga (722). First expansion: Reached the river Duero and the capital moved to León.

County of Castilla

Origins: It was a kingdom AsturLeones. It was governed by one count with autonomy. Expansion: Reached Duero in the 10th century (Fernán González declared independence).

Kingdom of Navarra

Origins: They were attacked by Franks and Muslims in the battle of Roncesvalles and created the kingdom of Pamplona. Expansion: Through La Rioja.

Kingdom of Aragon

Expansion: No expansion.

Catalan Counties