Medieval Iberia: Visigoths, Reconquista, and the Age of Discovery

The Iberian Peninsula in the Middle Ages

The Iberian Peninsula's Middle Ages began with the fall of the Western Roman Empire, marking the transition from Antiquity. This era commenced with the arrival of the Visigoths.

Key Periods of the Iberian Middle Ages:

• Early Middle Ages (5th–8th Century): Marked by the Visigothic Kingdom and the subsequent invasion period (the beginning of Medieval Muslim rule).
• High Middle Ages (11th–13th Century): A period of significant change. The Christian kingdoms grew stronger, recovering from previous crises, and began the Reconquista, gradually reclaiming territories occupied by Muslims since the 8th century.
• Late Middle Ages (14th–15th Century): Characterized by severe difficulties, including civil wars, the Plague, and agrarian crises. This period concluded with the occupation of the Kingdom of Granada by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492.

The Visigothic Kingdom (5th–8th Centuries)

Following the disappearance of the Western Roman Empire in the Iberian Peninsula, a power vacuum emerged. This vacuum was eventually filled by the Visigothic Kingdom, which established its capital in Toledo starting in the 6th century. This settlement followed a pact signed with Rome, which granted them lands in Southern Europe.

The Arrival and Expansion of Islam in Iberia

The arrival of Muslims in Spain was driven by two main factors: the internal crisis of the Visigothic monarchy and the expansive movement of Islam, which began around 634 CE.

Muslim rulers were generally tolerant, showing respect for Christians and Jews, whom they considered People of the Book (as referenced in the Quran) and thus protected.

Structure of Feudal Society

Feudal society was a highly structured, hierarchical system. Society was divided based on function:

• The Nobles (warring class)
• The Clergy (praying class)
• Artisans and Peasants (working class)

A noble would become a vassal (servant of the King) by kneeling before the monarch and swearing fidelity, a commitment known as vassalage.

Key Features of Romanesque Art

Romanesque architecture, exemplified by early buildings such as the Palace of Naranco, utilized specific structural elements:

• Material: Large blocks of stone.
• Arches: Use of the round arch (or semi-circular arch).
• Vaults: Appearance of the barrel vault (bóveda de cañón), which transmitted the weight of the heavy, stone-covered roof through thick pillars and columns.

Causes of the Age of Discovery

The Age of Discovery was spurred by several critical factors:

1. Economic Expansion: The need to seek new markets for industry and commerce.
2. Search for Gold: The desire for precious metals to fuel trade.
3. Technical Progress: Advances in navigation, including the invention of the compass, improved nautical charts, and the development of new ships, such as the caravel.