Ancient Iberia & Al-Andalus: Kingdoms & Cultures
Pre-Roman Peoples of the Iberian Peninsula
During the Iron Age, various indigenous cultures developed in the Iberian Peninsula. In the south and east were the Iberians. The rest of the peninsula was settled by Indo-European peoples, except for the Vacones.
Iberian Culture (Turdetani)
- Agricultural society.
- Had an alphabet.
- Urban development.
- Aristocracy and tribal organization.
- Practiced incineration of the dead and buried them.
- Archaeological remains: “Lady of Elche”.
Celtic Culture (Vacceos, Astures)
- Mastered iron metallurgy.
- Lived from livestock.
- Lived in fortified settlements called “castros”.
- Strongly resisted the Roman conquest.
- Archaeological remains: Bulls of Guisando.
Celtiberian Culture (Arevaci)
- Known as mercenaries, with a great sense of honor, hospitality, and bravery.
- Communal economy and society.
- Archaeological remains: Numantia.
Tartessos Culture
In the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula, the Tartessos culture was very rich in mines and had intense relationships with the Phoenicians. The reasons for their disappearance are unknown.
Visigothic Institutions
The Visigothic monarchy was elective, and the king’s designation depended on the magnates, to whom prelates were added over time. The king’s powers were vast, but in practice, limited by the powerful. For government work, the monarch was served by:
- Aula Regia: An advisory assembly composed of nobles advising the king on military and political affairs and in making laws.
- Officium Palatinum: The main core of the Aula Regia, and part of the king’s most trusted nobles, responsible for various services, both domestic and administrative.
- Church Councils: Ecclesiastical assemblies with legal competence to choose monarchs, approve rules, condemn dethroned rebels, and persecute Jews.
Territorial Administration
The Visigoths respected the Roman provincial division and placed a governor or Duque at the head of each province. Within the framework of the province, they introduced new, smaller circumscriptions, the territories, under the authority of a Conde.
Emirate and Caliphate of Cordoba
Emirate of Cordoba (756-929)
A survivor of the Umayyad family, Prince Abd-al-Rahman I, took refuge in al-Andalus and was proclaimed an independent emir. His power was based on his army and a centralized organization. He defeated many opposition groups; however, he failed to control the small Christian kingdoms of the north. From 789, a crisis of central power in the emirate produced numerous local revolts and independence demands. To quell these conflicts, the Umayyad emirs strengthened their military and organized aceifas (military expeditions).
Caliphate of Cordoba (929-1031)
Emir Abd-al-Rahman III proclaimed himself caliph in Cordoba to restore the unity of the Islamic state and the hegemony of the peninsula. Al-Andalus experienced its most brilliant stage. In the military field, the most prominent figure was Almanzor. After his death, a decline began, and the caliphate disintegrated into many Taifa kingdoms.
Models of Repopulation
Different models of repopulation were used during the Reconquista:
- North of the Duero River (Presura): Simple occupation of land. Resulted in small properties.
- Between the Duero and Ebro Rivers (Concejos): Large territorial extensions. The king granted a Privilege or Charter (Carta Puebla). The resulting structure was concentrated settlements and abundant communal lands.
- Tagus Valley and South (Military Orders): Large estates (latifundios) were mandated.
- Guadalquivir Valley and Levantine Coast (Repartimientos): Land delivered in lots (donadÃos) to the aristocracy. Resulted in large estates.