Christian Kingdoms and the Reconquista: Medieval Spain

Christian Kingdoms of Medieval Spain

Christian Kingdoms emerged as pockets of resistance against Muslim dominance in the Cantabrian Mountains and the Pyrenees. The weakness of these kingdoms during their initial formation was manifest.

The Astur-Leonese Kingdom

The kingdom was consolidated during the reign of King Alfonso I (739–757). A defensive, depopulated strip was established in the Duero basin during the reign of Alfonso III (866–910), moving the border to the Duero River. Castile originated as a border county frequently hit by Muslim raids and became independent from the Kingdom of Asturias-León in 960.

Pyrenean States

Navarre, Aragon, and the Catalan counties arose from the Hispanic March (a border territory of the Frankish Empire) established by Charlemagne.

Repopulation Strategies

With the progress of the Reconquista, the conquered territories required secure dominion. Repopulation was driven by population growth, the arrival of European settlers, and Christians who remained in Muslim-controlled territories. We can distinguish the following forms of repopulation:

• North of the Duero River: Official repopulation was led by kings and nobles who granted a carta puebla (settlement charter) to attract settlers. Private repopulation was conducted by nobles, monasteries, and freeholders.
• Between the Duero and the Central System: Authorities directed repopulation by creating councils that dominated surrounding villages. Residents were granted privileges through charters.
• Southern Plateau: Military orders played a significant role in colonization.
• Ebro Valley: Population increased through a mix of existing Muslim inhabitants and new settlers.
• 13th Century (Andalusia, Valencia, and Murcia): A distribution system (repartimiento) was established, allocating houses and lands of former Muslim cities to new settlers, accompanied by the granting of charters.