Reconquista and Repopulation of Spain: 8th-15th Centuries

Posted on Mar 21, 2025 in Geography

The Reconquista

Definition: The expansion of the Christian kingdoms in the north of the Iberian Peninsula into territory controlled by Muslims, primarily taking place between the 11th and 13th centuries. It began shortly after 711 and ended in 1492, lasting eight centuries. Key battles included the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa (1212) and the Battle of Covadonga.

Repopulation (Repoblación)

This was the occupation of lands conquered from the Muslims by the Christian population. It was promoted in several ways:

  • In unpopulated territories north of the Duero and Catalonia, new settlers were granted land in return for occupying and protecting those territories.
  • Between the Duero and the Central System, and in the Ebro Valley, reforestation was carried out by the city councils.
  • In Andalusia, Valencia, and Murcia, the system of *repartimiento* (distribution) was established.

Christian Kingdoms

  • The Kingdom of Asturias-León (founded by Pelayo).
  • Castile (founded by Fernán González).
  • The Kingdom of Navarre.
  • The Kingdom of Aragon (founded by Ramiro I).
  • The Catalan Counties (founded by Wilfred the Hairy).
  • The Kingdom of Portugal (founded by Alfonso Henriques).

Political Institutions

  • The feudal monarchy.
  • The Cortes: Elaborated laws and approved new taxes.
  • Chancery: Administered justice and finances, collected taxes.
  • Chief Justice: Resolved disputes, interpreted laws, and defended rights.

Christian Cities

They had walls, narrow, poorly lit streets, and houses. They featured one or two squares where the main streets converged, serving as hubs for trade and social interaction.

Buildings: Churches, town halls with clocks, water fountains, and pillars. Some also had universities, workshops, etc.

There were Jewish quarters (Juderia) and Moorish quarters (Morería). Craftsmen were grouped into guilds.

The Mesta

An association founded in the 13th century by Alfonso X the Wise, which grouped nomadic sheep owners and defended their interests against those of farmers.

The Halls (Lonjas)

Gathering places where merchants conducted their business.

Society

Privileged Group:

  • High Nobility or *ricoshombres* (Counts, Marquises, Dukes): Lived on income from their extensive lands.
  • Lower Nobility, composed of *hidalgos* or *fijosdalgo*: Lower-ranking nobles.
  • Bishops, abbots, and masters of military orders: Owners of land and income earned from these assets.

Non-Privileged Group:

  • Inhabitants of the cities: The bourgeoisie, dedicated to crafts and trade.
  • Peasants: Workers of the lands or settlers who served the lord who protected them. (*Remensa* peasants: peasants who paid to be free).

Religious Events

  • The pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, which began after the discovery of the tomb of the apostle (9th century). The Camino de Santiago facilitated the Reconquista.
  • The unification of rites by the church around the 11th century.

Toledo

It was left at the end of the 11th Century to the Christians, and became a cultural capital, especially after the creation of the School of Translators.

Artistic Movements
  • Asturian Art: 8th and 10th centuries. Civil and religious buildings.
  • Mozarabic Architecture
  • Romanesque Art
  • Gothic Art: From the late 12th century to the 15th century. Notable examples include the Cathedrals of Burgos, Toledo, and León.

Sculpture highlights included religious and funerary sculpture, often decorated with reliefs. The most important painting demonstrations were miniatures and altarpieces.