Muslim Rule and Christian Kingdoms in Medieval Aragon
Muslim Conquest and Rule in Aragon
In 714, Muslims, led by Musa, arrived in Aragon. They occupied the Ebro valley without much resistance. In the following years, they conquered the rest of the current mountainous region of Aragon, demanding tribute and controlling the mountain passes. Only Huesca offered significant resistance.
Territorial Organization
The territory was divided into three provinces or marks:
- Upper Mark – Zaragoza (most of Aragon)
- Middle Mark – Toledo (area of Teruel and Albarracín)
- Lower Mark – Merida
Taifa Kingdoms
- Taifa of Zaragoza: Ruled most of Aragon under the Banu Hud dynasty.
- Taifa of Albarracín: A small but strong kingdom ruled by the Banu Razin family, occupying the river valley and the upper Alfambra of Guadalaviar and Jiloca.
Economy
Agricultural production increased by expanding cultivated land and introducing new crops (fruits, vegetables, and cereals). Cities became centers of commerce and crafts.
The most important handcrafted products were:
- Calatayud: Ceramics and gilded earthenware
- Zaragoza: Linen and leather preparations
Culture
- Place names: Many names beginning with “Al” are of Arabic origin.
- Architectural Legacy: The Aljafería Palace in Zaragoza is a significant example of Islamic architecture.
Rise of the First Christian Kingdoms
After the conquest of Zaragoza in 714, centers of resistance formed in the north (Asturias, northern Castile) and the east (Aragon, Pamplona, Catalan counties).
Marca Hispanica
The Marca Hispanica was a strip of fortified territories south of the Pyrenees, created by the Franks as a buffer against the Muslims. It stretched from the Cantabrian Sea to the Mediterranean.
County of Aragon
Around 817, Aznar Galíndez expelled the Franks from his territory, establishing the County of Aragon along the Aragon River valleys.
Counties of Ribagorza and Sobrarbe
In 882, Ramón I declared the County of Ribagorza independent from the Franks. Meanwhile, in the central area of Sobrarbe, a Christian core was organized around Aínsa and Boltaña.
Kingdom of Pamplona
In 830, the Arista, a noble family from Pamplona, expelled the French governor.
Catalan Counties
In 987, Borrell II of Barcelona refused to renew the oath of allegiance to the Frankish king, marking a significant step towards independence for the Catalan counties.
Consolidation and Expansion
In the 10th century, Aragon was annexed to the Kingdom of Pamplona. Sancho III “the Great” conquered Ribagorza, Sobrarbe, and territories of Castile. Upon his death in 1035, his estate was divided among his sons:
- García Sánchez III: Kingdom of Pamplona
- Fernando I: County of Castile
- Ramiro I: County of Aragon
- Gonzalo: Sobrarbe and Ribagorza
Ramiro I annexed Ribagorza and Sobrarbe, forming the independent Kingdom of Aragon.
Reconquista and Repopulation
Reforestation refers to the occupation of lands conquered by Christian kings from the Muslims.
Sancho Ramírez became King of Aragon and established Jaca as the capital. He conquered the Cinca valley, forcing them to pay tribute.
After the assassination of Sancho IV, the Kingdom of Pamplona was divided between Castile and Aragon.
Alfonso I “the Battler” conquered the Taifa of Zaragoza, including major towns like Zaragoza and Ejea.
Expansion of the Catalan Counties
In the 11th century, Ramon Berenguer I, Count of Barcelona, gained the vassalage of other Catalan counties and forced neighboring Muslim lands to pay tribute.
Cultural Coexistence
The Iberian Peninsula was a melting pot of cultures, with Christians, Muslims, and Jews living together. Schools of translators, such as the one in Toledo, were established.
In Al-Andalus, Jews lived in separate communities called ghettos and paid special taxes.
Mozarabs were Christians living under Muslim rule, while Mudejars were Muslims living in territories ruled by Christian kings.
Romanesque Art
Romanesque art flourished in northern Spain, particularly along the Way of St. James. Notable examples include:
- Churches with checkered decoration (Cathedral of Jaca, San Juan de la Peña)
- Defensive castle towers (Loarre, Benabarre)
- Sculptures on capitals and tympanums
- Fresco paintings (Church of Tahull)