Was water a decisive factor in Christian Catalonia’s territorial organization from the 9th to the 14th centuries?

Authors

  • Assumpta Serra-Clota Secció d’Història Rural, Institució Catalana d’Estudis Agraris, filial de l’Institut d’Estudis Catalans

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2436/20.1503.01.151

Keywords:

territory, Catalonia, medieval, water availability, infrastructures

Abstract

This paper looks at the importance of water in the contexts of territorial organization, power centres and settlements with regard to farmland, agrifood production infrastructures and living space. The study is divided into the periods marking the conquest of the territory from the Muslims, when Christian Catalonia underwent expansion. In each period, the form of settlement is explored, beginning with an historical presentation aimed to explain what happened and which factors have been relevant as regards Catalan territorial organization.

The period under study starts with the 9th and 10th centuries in order to provide the necessary background, continuing through time to the 14th century, when water infrastructures were improved thanks to technological advances. The methodology of study with respect to specific sites is archaeological, based on spatial organization works and excavations. For our study of Christian Catalonia in general, a documentary method was followed.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Downloads

Published

2023-12-15

Issue

Section

Articles