The Middle Ages Series: Medieval Iberia

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For some historians, medieval Iberian society exemplified peaceful coexistence and cultural exchange, while others depict a more contentious landscape of Muslims and Christians vying for political, religious, and economic dominance, culminating in the fall of Muslim Granada and the expulsion of Jews in the late fifteenth century. However, the reality of Medieval Iberia is more complex than these perspectives suggest. In this expanded second edition, a monumental collection provides unparalleled insight into the multicultural intricacies of the regions that would become modern Portugal and Spain. The documents, primarily from the eighth to the fifteenth centuries, have been translated from Latin, Arabic, Hebrew, Judeo-Arabic, Castilian, Catalan, and Portuguese by leading scholars in Iberian studies. Nearly a quarter of this edition is new, featuring visual materials and enhanced coverage of Jewish and Muslim affairs, as well as additional sources on women, social and economic history, and domestic life. This primary source material encompasses historical chronicles, poetry, and legal and religious texts, each accompanied by brief introductions contextualizing the content. Arranged chronologically, the documents are also organized for easy access to topics such as urban life, royal court politics, interfaith relations, and family dynamics.