Economy and Society of Al-Andalus

Economic Foundations of Al-Andalus

The economy and society were urban and commercial. Crafts, trade, and agriculture were highly developed.

Agriculture, Livestock, and Mining

The primary sector included agriculture, livestock, and mining. The main crops were part of the Mediterranean trilogy based on cereals, vines, and olive trees. Agriculture was developed through the use of irrigation ditches and wells. Additionally, silkworms were raised. The most prominent livestock was sheep, which was dedicated to the production of meat and milk. Mining production continued the Roman heritage; gold, silver, iron, and copper were extracted.

Craft Industry and Commercial Networks

In the craft industry, the textile sector was the most important activity, including fabrics of silk or linen, as well as glass, ceramics, weapons, and shipbuilding.

Regarding trade, the urban network was consolidated, and communication and transportation networks were developed. The main commercial areas were the souks (markets). Foreign trade was based on the existence of the gold dinar and silver dirham. Luxury goods were exported, while agricultural products and raw materials were imported.

International trade routes headed towards the northern Christian kingdoms of the peninsula, the Maghreb, and the Mediterranean, as well as more distant territories. The merchants were mainly Mozarabs, Jews, and Italians.

Social Structure and Religious Diversity

Al-Andalus had a heterogeneous society characterized by ethnic and religious diversity. The social groups included:

• The dominant group was formed by Muslim invaders, landowners, and high-ranking government officials. The Berber group occupied an inferior position.
• The Hispano-Visigothic population was a privileged minority that was eventually dominated. Many converted to Islam and were known as Muladíes.
• Slaves occupied the lowest social rung.

Another part of the population practiced other religions in exchange for taxes and certain religious controls. Highlights include:

• Mozarabs: Their numbers were reduced due to conversion to Islam and persecution by the Almoravids and Almohads, causing many to flee.
• Jews: Conversion to Islam was rare. They lived in neighborhoods called ghettos (juderías) and were prominent as doctors and merchants.

Urban Life and City Planning

Al-Andalus was a society structured around a network of cities that played a nuclear role in political, economic, social, military, and religious life. It improved ancient Roman cities and created new routes to secure strategic areas.

In the Islamic world, all were private spaces under the influence of the mosque and the souk. Muslim cities were walled. Within the protected area, known as the Medina, were the mosque, the souk, and the military fortress. As cities expanded, new suburbs were formed.

Religious Coexistence and Cultural Decline

There were three main religions: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Andalusian Muslims were primarily Sunni, and Islam served as a factor of cohesion. While coexistence between the three religions was often tense, the Caliphate period saw peaceful coexistence. This period of tolerance disappeared with the invasions of the Almoravids and Almohads.

Towards the end of this era, this great urban society and the Andalusian social structure began to terminate. Economic growth also ended, marking the beginning of a period of decline.