History of Hispania: Visigoths to Al-Andalus

Visigoths in Hispania

The Visigoths in Hispania were a Germanic tribe from eastern Europe. In 410, they invaded Rome under their leader Alaric. Nevertheless, they became allies of the Romans. They established a kingdom in the Roman province of Gaul, with the capital at Toulouse.

Next, the Visigoths attacked and defeated the Germanic tribes in the Iberian Peninsula: the Vandals, the Alans, and the Suevi. This gave them control of the Iberian Peninsula. In 507, the Franks forced them out of Gaul.

The Muslim Conquest of Hispania

The Muslim invasion of Hispania began in 711. The Umayyad general Tariq ibn Ziyad crossed the Strait of Gibraltar with a small army. At the Battle of Guadalete, together Tariq and Musa conquered most of Hispania.

Al-Andalus: Emirate and Caliphate

The dependent Emirate of Al-Andalus was part of the Umayyad Caliphate. The independent Emirate of Cordoba was governed by the Umayyad dynasty. The Caliphate of Cordoba was one of the biggest and most important cities in the world.

The Taifa Period

Taifas were not strong enough to resist the Christian kings.

The Nasrid Kingdom of Granada

Granada was the only Muslim kingdom left.

Society in Al-Andalus

Hispania had a diverse population before the Muslim invasion in 711. Although the rulers were Visigoths, most ordinary people were the descendants of Roman citizens. In the beginning, the Muslim rulers treated the Christians and Jews quite well, so most of them stayed. Most of the time, everyone lived together peacefully.

Later, the Almoravids and Almohads were less tolerant of non-Muslims, so under their rule many Christians and Jews escaped to the Christian kingdoms in the north.

Social Groups

• Arabs: There were not many Arabs, but they had the most privileges. They were given the best land.
• Berbers: Most of the ordinary soldiers were Berbers from North Africa.
• Muladies: Many people converted to Islam.
• Mozarabs: Christians living under Muslim rule.
• Jews: Many Jews were merchants.

Economy of Al-Andalus

Agriculture

The Muslims grew crops like:

• Olives
• Sugar cane
• Rice
• Wheat
• Citrus fruits
• Apricots
• Grapes
• Cotton

They needed good irrigation. They built channels to carry water to the fields, and they put waterwheels in the river. This made agriculture much more productive.

Trade

The Muslim world extended from the Iberian Peninsula to India, and merchants traveled all around it buying and selling products. Al-Andalus exported silk and copper and imported slaves and gold.

Artisans and Urban Growth

Artisans produced silk and also made high-quality ceramics, weapons, and jewelry. Most people in Al-Andalus lived in the countryside. As farmers produced more food, the number of artisans increased and cities grew quickly. Cordoba was the capital of Al-Andalus.

Architecture of Al-Andalus

The style was a blend of Visigothic and Islamic influences.

Key Architectural Elements

• The horseshoe arch was used by Visigoths and adopted by Muslims.
• Multifoil arches consist of a series of semicircles.
• Geometric patterns
• Vegetal patterns
• Arabic calligraphy
• Muqarnas (often referred to as 'mocarabes')