Iberian Peninsula Medieval History & Culture

The Iberian Peninsula in the Middle Ages

The long period is divided into three phases:

• High Middle Ages (8th-10th Centuries): Peak of Al-Andalus and the beginning of the Reconquista.
• Middle Ages (11th-13th Centuries): Reconquest, repopulation progress, and Muslims divided into Taifa kingdoms.
• Late Middle Ages (14th-15th Centuries): Extended crisis and triumph of the Christian kings, taking the last Andalusi territory.

Economy

Rural development activities and the importance of handicrafts in trade and monetary boom towns.

Society

Two groups of Arab society: Arab nobility and the Jewish Berbers, Mozarabs, and slaves.

Religion

Muladis: Relatively peaceful coexistence of the three monotheistic religions until the 11th century.

Culture and Science

Philosophy and art flourished. Cultural and artistic literature with undoubted specimens: the Mosque of Cordoba and the Alhambra in Granada.

Christian and Islamic Heritage in Castilla La Mancha

Due to the work of Muslim scribes and monks, much of the ancient culture of Toledo was recovered. It was in Christian hands in the late 11th century and became a cultural capital, especially after the creation of the School of Translators.

Military Orders

Spain had great possessions and collaborated with increasingly powerful kings in the Reconquista and later repopulation, as they received numerous donations in Castilla. They are highlighted for their help against the Almohad invasion and their participation in the 1212 Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa. Major orders were the Order of San Juan, Montesa, Calatrava, Santiago, and Alcántara.

The Courts

The king met together with the estates or representatives of the feudal nobility, the bourgeoisie, and the clergy. The Courts were born in León in 1188. Today, the legislature resides in the courts, elected in democratic countries by free, direct suffrage.

Gothic Architecture and Art

Architecture

Light and vertical arches, vaults, arbontanes, rosettes, and externally glazed windows.

Sculpture

Search for naturalness and feeling. The Marian theme triumphs.

Painting

Masters of the international style in the altarpiece, rich colors, and naturalistic examples. Examples of the great cathedrals of Burgos, León, and Toledo.