Land Occupation & Social Structures in Medieval Spain
P.2: Forms of Land Occupation and its Influence on Property Structure. Reforestation and Models of Social Organization
3.1. Feudalism and Restocking
The Iberian Peninsula’s average age was marked by the introduction of feudalism. This system was characterized by a largely agrarian economy where the nobility and the Church held property, while peasants performed the labor.
The lords forced peasants into personal service, primarily involving land cultivation and various payments.
The implementation of the feudal system coincided with the process of restocking.
3.2. Recruitment Model of the Northern Lands: Noble Ownership and Peasant Colonization
3.2.1. The Kingdom of Asturias
A noble warrior class, formed by local tribal leaders and Visigothic magnates, emerged in the Kingdom of Asturias. The arrival of the Mozarabs reinforced feudal authority over local populations. Monasteries were founded, initiating a dual feudal system, both aristocratic and ecclesiastical.
3.2.2. The Douro Valley
The Douro Basin remained sparsely populated for a century and a half. By the mid-9th century, numerous rural communities occupied the region, and colonization began. The king legitimized these occupations. In the early 11th century, nobles, who had seized the best lands, dominated the peasants through vassalage relationships.
3.2.3. Castile
Castile formed a unique society of peasant-warriors. Rural communities received special status, known as bahaterias, which facilitated migration to new lands. Other communities dedicated themselves to livestock; farmers emphasized their possession of horses for participation in raids and expeditions into Al-Andalus. Villains emerged as the gentlemen. A feudalization process began in the 11th century.
3.2.4. Pyrenean Areas
The Ebro Valley had been Romanized, so the feudalization process was already advanced when the invasion occurred. In Catalonia, the French count legally sanctioned land settlement. In Aragon and Navarre, the independence of ruling families also ensured the continuation of southward land colonization.
3.3. The Model of Colonization between the Duero and Sierra Morena and South Ebro: Afforestation
3.3.1. Concejil and Military Orders
Throughout the 11th century, the Christian presence gradually increased between the Douro and the Tagus. The Crown spearheaded the colonization process, not only to ensure control but also to limit the territorial power of the great noble houses.
Restocking was organized through large councils, granting extensive territories and privileges. These benefits were documented in a royal decree called immunity.
Within these councils, knights constituted the dominant group, known as villains. They were responsible for defense and soon established major tribunals within the councils, becoming an aristocracy that dominated city life. Below them were artisans and peasants, who were exempt from taxes.
After the conquest of Toledo in 1085, the Tagus Valley fell under Castilian rule. The surrender pact obligated the Muslim population to leave the city. Initially, the local population (Moorish, Jewish, and Mozarabic) was dominant, but gradually declined.
3.3.2. Repopulation of the Ebro Valley
In areas near the Pyrenees, the Aragonese crown granted land to nobles who participated in the conquest, following a feudal tendency. The valley possessed fertile land and a substantial population. South of the river, kings adopted the formula of population charters, granting freedoms and privileges to those who ventured to repopulate border regions. In Catalonia, new afforestation was carried out by Catalans, who brought their language and laws.
3.3.3. The Region of La Mancha
Bordering Al-Andalus, the sparsely populated La Mancha region saw military orders assume the role of repopulation. They received vast domains. The population began to coalesce around the castles of the orders, receiving protection from the Crusaders in exchange for working their lands.
3.4. The Afforestation Model in the South: Christian Nobles and Peasants
3.4.1. The Moorish Restocking South of Extremadura, Andalusia, and Murcia
The conquest of the Guadiana and Guadalquivir valleys and the Murcian area occurred in a rich region devastated by military campaigns. Most houses and lands were allocated to the conquerors, with available properties distributed in large or small lots. The first contracts were awarded to the powerful aristocracy and bishops. The sees of Toledo and Seville received vast tracts of land. Finally, small plots were granted to peasant farmers.
In Murcia, land was given to the aristocracy and military orders, leading to a feudalization process.
3.4.2. The Restocking of the Balearic Islands and Valencia
In the Balearic Islands, land was divided among James I’s servants, the Order of the Temple, and the magnates of the Church and nobility. The Muslim population was massacred.
In the Kingdom of Valencia, the peaceful surrender of most cities prevented devastation and avoided the permanence of a large Muslim population. Inland areas were granted to the Aragonese nobility.