Iberia
Overview
The Iberian Peninsula in 894 AD is a land of diverse cultures, faiths, and political powers locked in a complex dance of warfare, diplomacy, and coexistence. The peninsula is dominated by Islamic Al-Andalus in the south and various Christian kingdoms in the north, with constantly shifting borders and allegiances.
Geography
Major Regions
- Al-Andalus: The Muslim-controlled southern and eastern portions, ruled by the Umayyad Emirate from Córdoba
- The Upper March (al-Thaghr al-A'la): The northern frontier region of Al-Andalus, including Zaragoza, Alagón, and Tudela
- Christian Kingdoms: Including Asturias, León, Navarre, and the County of Barcelona in the north
- The Pyrenees: Mountain range forming a natural barrier with Francia to the north
Major Rivers
- Ebro River: Flows through the Upper March, vital for trade and agriculture
- Jalón River: Tributary of the Ebro, flows through Alagón
- Duero River: Marks contested borderlands between Christian and Muslim territories
Political Situation (894 AD)
The Umayyad Emirate
The Emirate of Córdoba, under Emir Abdullah ibn Muhammad (r. 888-912), is experiencing significant internal strife. Local governors and strongmen increasingly act independently, and the central authority from Córdoba is weakening. Regional emirs like the Emir of Zaragoza and Emir of Valencia exercise substantial autonomy.
The Upper March
This frontier region is particularly volatile, with:
- Local Muslim warlords asserting independence
- Constant Christian raids from the north
- Internal political struggles between progressive and conservative factions
- Complex diplomatic relationships with Christian kingdoms like Navarre and Francia
Christian Kingdoms
The northern Christian kingdoms are expanding slowly southward, taking advantage of Muslim disunity:
- Asturias-León: Under Alfonso III, actively pushing south
- Navarre: Controlling territory around Pamplona, engaged in both conflict and trade with the Upper March
- County of Barcelona: Eastern frontier with complex relationships with both Christian and Muslim powers
Society and Culture
Religious Communities
Muslims
The dominant political power, but internally diverse:
- Arabs: The ruling elite, descendants of the original conquerors
- Berbers: North African Muslims, often serving as soldiers and farmers
- Muwalladun: Iberian converts to Islam, making up the majority of the Muslim population
Christians (Mozarabs)
Christians living under Muslim rule, maintaining their faith while adopting Arabic language and customs. They pay the jizya (tax on non-Muslims) but enjoy relative religious freedom and legal protections.
Jews
Significant Jewish communities exist throughout the peninsula, serving as scholars, merchants, physicians, and diplomats. They generally enjoy protection under Muslim rule.
Language
- Arabic: The language of government, high culture, and scholarship in Al-Andalus
- Romance dialects: Spoken by most of the population, evolving into what will become Spanish, Catalan, and Portuguese
- Latin: Used in Christian religious contexts
- Hebrew: Among Jewish communities
Economy
Trade
The Ebro River valley, including towns like Alagón, serves as a vital trade corridor:
- Agricultural products (grain, olives, wine)
- Textiles and luxury goods from the south
- Slaves and raw materials from Christian territories
- Goods from across the Mediterranean and the Islamic world
Agriculture
Sophisticated irrigation systems (inherited and improved from Roman times) support:
- Grain cultivation in river valleys
- Olive groves and vineyards
- Introduction of new crops from the Islamic world (citrus, rice, cotton)
Military Situation
Frontier Warfare
The Upper March is in a state of perpetual low-intensity conflict:
- Seasonal raiding campaigns (aceifas) by both Muslims and Christians
- Castle-building and territorial consolidation
- Shifting alliances and temporary truces
- Mercenary bands and adventurers (like the party) finding employment
Fortifications
The landscape is dotted with:
- Castles: Controlling strategic points like Alagón
- Walled towns: Providing refuge during raids
- Watchtowers: Early warning systems along frontiers
Cultural Exchange
Despite the warfare, 894 AD Iberia is a place of remarkable cultural synthesis:
- Arabic learning preserved and expanded on Greek and Roman knowledge
- Christian and Jewish scholars translated works between languages
- Architectural styles blended Roman, Visigothic, and Islamic influences
- Musical and poetic traditions crossed religious boundaries
Connections to the Campaign
The party finds itself operating in this complex, multicultural frontier world:
- Bjorn the Finger, Jean-Luc, Axel, and Askeladd are northern foreigners navigating unfamiliar political and religious landscapes
- Their actions in Zaragoza (involving Sigmund and an imam's murder) have thrust them into the progressive vs. conservative struggle
- Halfdan the Skald pursues them through this complex terrain
- Towns like Alagón represent the daily reality of coexistence and tension on the frontier
- Supernatural forces like Cernunnos and Anansi interact with this human world
Current Events (894 AD)
- The Emir of Valencia's progressive faction is in conflict with conservative religious authorities
- The murder of a conservative imam in Valencia has political ramifications
- Christian kingdoms to the north are probing for weaknesses
- Local strongmen increasingly ignore Córdoba's authority
- The frontier remains a place of opportunity and danger for adventurers
See Also