Castillos y fortalezas de Al-Andalus: observaciones historiográficas y preguntas pendientes

Recent shifts in the study of Al-Andalus' fortifications reveal that these structures, traditionally viewed through architectural and military lenses, offer deeper insights into medieval society. Research now explores their role in rural organization, settlement patterns, land use, and state control, moving beyond mere defensive functions. The paper highlights the polysemy of Arabic terms like 'ḥiṣn' and examines debates surrounding their interpretation, particularly in rural contexts. It also questions whether fortified collective granaries (ribāṭ-s), previously thought unique to North Africa, existed in Al-Andalus. Methodologically, it traces the evolution from 1970s architectural focus to a more interdisciplinary approach, integrating historical and archaeological evidence.

Cressier, P. (2022). Castillos y fortalezas de Al-Andalus: observaciones historiográficas y preguntas pendientes. Vínculos de Historia Revista Del Departamento de Historia de La Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, (11), 116–140. https://doi.org/10.18239/vdh_2022.11.05