The origins of Al-Andalus (the eighth and ninth centuries): continuity and change

Figure 14.1 M a p showing the wi thdrawal of the frontier of Al -Andalus

between the mid-eighth and thirteenth centuries.

the invaders occup ied the already exist ing nuc le i o f popula t ion . In terms o f residence and economy, the popula t ion is unders tood to have been largely urban-based f rom the beg inn ing , w i t h few subsequent changes. In recent years, however, archaeological research i n south and eastern Iberia has focused u p o n this issue and suggests a substantially different picture.