The Reconquista: Christian Expansion and Medieval Iberia

Analysis of the Map

The dark colors—green, orange, and red—represent the kingdoms of Castilla and León, the Crown of Aragón, and Portugal in 1150. Lighter tones of these same colors reflect the territories reconquered by these kingdoms by 1270. The Kingdom of Navarre (in yellow) remained blocked between Castilla and Aragón, which halted its expansion. The tributary Kingdom of Granada (in rose), a vassal of Castile, constituted the final Muslim redoubt. The symbol of crossed swords indicates Christian victories (in black) and Muslim victories (in red).

Historical Commentary

Following the Muslim invasion in 711, several pockets of resistance formed in the peninsular north. These did not take the offensive until the disintegration of the Caliphate of Córdoba (1031) into weak Taifa kingdoms.

Key Military and Political Milestones

• Alfonso VI of Castile: Delivered a major blow to Muslim forces with the conquest of Toledo (1085).
• Almoravid Intervention: The Almoravid empire temporarily halted the Christian advance at the battles of Sagrajas (1086) and Uclés (1108).
• Aragonese Expansion: Alfonso I of Aragón dominated the Ebro valley, capturing Zaragoza in 1118.
• Almohad Resurgence: The Almohads unified Al-Ándalus and checked Christian progress with a victory at Alarcos (1195).

The Christian Coalition and Repopulation

In response to the Almohad threat, military orders such as Santiago, Calatrava, and Alcántara were created. Treaties like Tudillén and Cazola established pacts for the distribution of territories between Castilla and Aragón. This culminated in a great Christian coalition that defeated the Almohads at the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa (1212).

Consequences of the Reconquista

The map illustrates the rapid reconquest of nearly half the peninsula between 1212 and 1265. Due to a lack of population, these lands were repopulated largely by military orders, forming large cattle estates managed by commanders. While Fernando III of Castilla and León secured Badajoz, Seville, Córdoba, and Murcia, Jaime I of Aragón conquered Majorca and Valencia. Meanwhile, Portugal expanded to the Atlantic, fixing its border with Castile along the Guadiana, while the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada remained a vassal of Castile until 1492.