History of Al-Andalus: Muslim Conquest and Medieval Society

The Iberian Peninsula in the Middle Ages: Muslim Conquest

The Muslim presence on the peninsula was due to the confluence of two simultaneous processes: the crisis of the Visigoth monarchy and the outward movement of Islam since 634. In 711, Musa sent a party led by Tariq to support the Visigoth king Witiza, defeating the army of Roderic at Guadalete.

Between 711 and 715, the conquest was completed by controlling key points and reaching agreements with the local population through two occupation systems: unconditional surrender and pact-based surrender.

The Muslims belonged to two ethnic groups: Arabs and Berbers. Between 711 and 756, the peninsula was a dependent emirate of Damascus. In 722, the Battle of Covadonga guaranteed the independence of the Asturian nucleus, and in 732, the expansion was halted.

Emirate and Caliphate of Cordoba

Abd al-Rahman I arrived on the peninsula and proclaimed the independent emirate. This stage was one of power consolidation and reorganization in Al-Andalus.

The Caliphate of Cordoba (929–1031):

• Abd al-Rahman III proclaimed himself Caliph in 929, signifying political independence.
• The Amiri period saw the Caliphate ruled by a Berber bodyguard, focusing on military punishment against Christian kingdoms.
• Al-Mansur was the most outstanding figure, exercising effective power on behalf of Caliph Hisham II.

Following the death of Al-Mansur, the Caliphate disintegrated into the Taifa kingdoms.

XI Century Crisis: The Taifa Kingdoms

After the death of Al-Mansur, the Caliphate entered a phase of decay, splitting into numerous Taifa kingdoms (1031–1090). Frequent disputes between these kingdoms led to a reduction in their number as smaller ones were incorporated into larger ones.

Faced with the military superiority of Christian kingdoms, the Taifas depended on the payment of parias. However, their political weakness did not translate into an economic crisis or cultural decline.

Al-Andalus: Economic and Social Organization

The economic base remained agriculture, with significant improvements:

• Refined irrigation techniques.
• Introduction of new crops: rice, sugar cane, and saffron.

Cities were revitalized as centers of consumption, production, and luxury crafts. Foreign and domestic trade flourished, supported by a rich monetary system.

The social structure was divided by ethnicity, religion, and wealth:

• Muslims: Arab aristocracy, Berbers, and Muladis (Hispanics converted to Islam who did not pay special tribute).
• Non-Muslim minorities: Jews and Mozarabs (Christians).
• Base: Slaves, including prisoners of war and black Africans.