Description

Islamic Seville was the most important Muslim kingdom on the Iberian Peninsula during the eleventh century. From its establishment to its dissolution, scarcely 68 years passed, during which it continuously fought against other Muslim and Christian kingdoms. Despite controlling almost the entire southern half of the Peninsula, it is often merely a footnote in history. Traditionally, Muslim 'Spain' has not been studied to the same extent as Christian 'Spain'. The Taifa of Seville, 1023-1091, sheds new light on this kingdom's brief yet intense history. Many primary sources have been used, and the head of the archaeological work on the recently uncovered palace of King Al-Mutamid has also collaborated in the preparation of the text.

The Taifa of Seville will be of great interest to all fans of the Middle Ages, particularly those interested in the Iberian Peninsula. It will reveal the realities of the lesser-known internal wars among the Muslim kingdoms, the conflicts with Christians, the clashes with the Almoravids of North Africa, and the Jihad for the conquest of Barbastro.