Law and Economy in Ifrīqiya (Tunisia) in the Third Islamic Century: Agriculture and the Role of Slaves in the Country's Economy

The aim of the present study is to underline the dominant characteristics of the agricultural sector in Ifriqiya in the 3rd/9th century, while attempting simultaneously to extrapolate the social profile of the people who, on different levels, made their living by tilling the soil. Our sources include legal texts, which, contrary to their unjustified reputation as theoretical and unhelpful works, make a significant contribution towards confirming, enriching, and focusing our knowledge.