Visigothic Kingdom to Al-Andalus: Spain’s Transformation
Visigothic Kingdom
Training: In 409, Barbarians entered Hispania without resistance. The Roman Empire authorized the Visigoths to control Hispania and southern Gaul. The Western Roman Empire disappeared in 476. The Visigothic Kingdom became independent in Hispania, with its capital in Toledo.
Ruralization of Society
The Germanic invasions accelerated the decline of Hispano-Roman cities, affecting trade and crafts. Trade diminished, and Roman roads fell into disuse. The Germanic invaders distributed land, which was worked by settlers. By the mid-7th century, the Visigothic Kingdom was dominated by a crisis due to disputes over the throne.
Al-Andalus State Organization
In 711, Tariq’s army overcame the last Visigothic king and conquered the peninsula.
Stages of Dissolution
- 714-756: Al-Andalus was a dependent Emirate of Damascus.
- The arrival of Abd al-Rahman I converted it into an independent Emirate.
- Abd al-Rahman III declared religious independence and proclaimed the Caliphate of Cordova.
The Caliphate began to decompose and divide into more than 25 Taifa kingdoms. Later, in the 13th century, the Kingdom of Granada survived until 1492.
State Organization
The state was centralized, with the Caliph holding maximum authority in judicial, economic, and military power. The territory was divided into three provinces: the lower (Seville), middle (Cordoba), and upper (Zaragoza).
Agricultural and Urban Development
Agricultural and commercial development occurred in the cities. Irrigation practices improved, and new horticultural centers emerged. Cities became centers of economic, social, and cultural life. Trade was abundant, and currency was widely used.
Cultural Plurality and Ethnic Splendor
Ethnic and Religious Plurality: Three Islamic ethnic groups existed: Muladis (former Arabs), Berbers, and Muwallads (Hispanics converted to Islam). There were also two non-Muslim minorities: Mozarabs (Christians) and Jews.
Muslim Spain saw significant cultural and scientific development. Schools and universities flourished, and advancements were made in medicine, astronomy, mathematics, history, geography, and music. Islamic architecture left behind masterpieces like the Mosque of Cordoba and the Alhambra of Granada, showcasing Hispano-Muslim art with its characteristic horseshoe arch and polychrome decoration.
Creation and Expansion of the Northern Kingdoms
Astur-Leonese Kingdom
In the 8th century, the northern part of the peninsula remained outside of Islamic control. Pelagius defeated the Muslims at Covadonga. Alfonso I and II created the kingdom. In the mid-9th century, Alfonso III occupied the Duero Valley and the Cantabrian Mountains. Ordoño II established the capital in León.
Expansion to the South
In the 11th and 12th centuries, the Christian kingdoms conquered the Tagus and Ebro valleys. The Almoravids and Almohads stormed the peninsula to try to reconstruct Al-Andalus. The Kingdom of Castile conquered Toledo, and Portugal secured Lisbon. The King of Aragon occupied Zaragoza, and the Count of Barcelona took Tortosa. The conquest of Al-Andalus led to communal repopulation, with new towns receiving charters (granting liberties) and settlement letters.
Conquests of the 13th Century
After the defeat at the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa, James I of Aragon conquered Valencia and Mallorca. Ferdinand III of Castile conquered Andalusia, and Portugal conquered the Algarve. By the end of the 13th century, the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada was the last Muslim presence in the peninsula.
Structure of the Different Kingdoms
Castile had a feudal monarchy. The Crown of Aragon had a pactist monarchy, where the nobility limited the monarch’s authority by maintaining their own laws and courts. The rise of cities offered monarchs resources for their campaigns. Medieval courts were formed by the nobility, clergy, and bourgeoisie. Castile had an advisory council for each kingdom. The Crown of Aragon had its own courts, municipalities, and autonomous jurisdictions, governed by an open council.
Economic Base: Castile’s economy was based on sheep farming, with the Royal Council of the Mesta protecting livestock owners. The Crown of Aragon had a mixed economy of agriculture and livestock, but maritime trade was more important, with a strong commercial bourgeoisie and textile industry.