Evolution of Castile and Early Christian Kingdoms' Art

How Did Castile Evolve?

Castile's Rise

Under the Caliphate of Cordoba, the Muslims attacked Leon. At the same time, Castile became Muslim independent. Castile provided defense against attacks from the valley of the River Ebro. It was divided into counties under the Count Fernan Gonzalez (930–970).

Leon began to decline at the end of the 10th century. This increased the power of the counts of the kings of Castile and Navarre. In 1035, Castile became an independent kingdom.

The Pyrenean Region

The Pyrenean region formed the Spanish March within the Carolingian Empire. In the 9th century, the Carolingian Empire dissolved. Three different independent regions were formed: Navarre, Aragon, and the Catalan counties.

The Kingdom of Navarre

From the 10th century, the Jimena dynasty ruled in Navarre and extended their influence to La Rioja and Alava. Sancho III the Great (1000–1035) became the most powerful Christian king; his kingdom included the Aragonese Peninsula, his counties, Castile, and part of Leon. However, his kingdom broke up after his death.

The Aragonese Counties

In 922, Aragon came under the rule of the Kingdom of Navarre. The family of Count Galindo Aznar achieved independence after the death of Sancho III.

The Catalan Counties

In 874, Wilfred the Hairy united the Catalan counties. He ruled them independently. Good relations with the caliphs of Cordoba brought a period of stability. Catalonia consolidated its independence in the 10th century.

What Was the Art of the Christian Kingdoms Like?

Asturian Art

Asturian art developed between the 8th and 10th centuries. The best examples are the small stone churches in or near Oviedo, such as San Miguel de Lillo and San Julian de los Prados. However, the best known is Santa Maria del Naranco, which was originally built as a palace but later used as a church. Asturian art also included some fine gold and silverwork, such as the Cross of the Angels.

Mozarabic Art

The Mozarabic art style emerged in the Christian kingdoms in the 10th century. It was developed by the Mozarabs who had fled from Al-Andalus. The interiors of the churches are similar to Muslim art in their use of horseshoe arches and capitals. The best example is the church of San Miguel de Escalada in Leon. The Beatus, a religious manuscript with beautiful illustrations, is also characteristic of Mozarabic art. A famous example is the Beatus of Liebana.

Mudejar Art

Mudejar art emerged in the 12th century in Sahagun, Leon. Mudejar was the name given to the Muslims who remained in the Christian Kingdoms after the Reconquest. The buildings constructed by these Muslims were characterized by the use of bricks and ceramic tiles. Mudejar and Mozarabic Art are only found in Spain. Some of the best examples of Mudejar art are found in Leon, Toledo, and Teruel.