Publication Date
Circa 318 – 339 / 930 – 950
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Library
Museum With No Frontiers
Record ID
monument;ISL;es;Mon01;11;ar
Library Location
Navalmoralejo; Toledo, Spain
Date
Circa 318 – 339 / 930 – 950
Notes
The city of Vascos was located in a difficult area in the province of Navalmoranejo, surrounded by the deep and low bed of the Hoso River, occupying its northern and eastern sides. In the west there is a small valley crossed by the La Mora or Hammamet stream, which is necessary for supplying water; While the southern side, from which the archaeological site is accessed, is the flattest area. As for the best-preserved remains, which give the group its monumental architectural character, they are represented by the defensive and military elements: the solid wall surrounding the city, the wall enclosure of the Kasbah, in addition to two graves outside the walls. In 1932, the city was classified as a historical and artistic monument; There are successive archaeological excavations - organized since 1975 - that have provided decisive information about urbanization, and what is related to the spatial organization of housing and the type and function of the plots, that is, in short, what is related to the way the inhabitants of the metropolis live. Perhaps the defensive style of its domain explains its origin. The walls were the basic element that defined the authentic city, or more precisely the present, and gave it its shape. In this place were the most distinctive buildings: baths, mosques, and spaces designated for commercial activities, such as squares, the silk market, and shops. The layout corresponding to the field takes a somewhat oval shape, and defines an internal space of up to 8 hectares. Outside, the walls contain many huge towers of square cross-section, spaced irregularly apart from each other. The Kasbah, the residence of workers and soldiers, is located on a small hill at the northwestern end. This kasbah consists of a number of wall enclosures that appear to represent different periods of expansion of the initial stronghold. Inside there was a mosque, which was probably built in the eleventh century AD. Entry into the city was through gates, two of which remained standing. The houses have one entrance; It is organized around a central courtyard through which one passes to the rooms. It had a tiled roof, a significant amount of which was found - as well as a key and a lock. Archaeological excavations have revealed, in addition to the remains of alleys, baths, mosques, and kindergartens, a possible industrial compound linked to the dissolution of metals, especially precious ones, which is suggested by the finding of a dissolution mold for amulets. The tools of various types, including axes, scissors, small bells, and iron seals, clearly demonstrate the existence of an almost complex economy. Horizontal elements for knitting crafts and spindle handles made of bone were also found. Among the household furniture, we can distinguish pieces of pottery dating back to the Umayyad period and the rule of the Taifas, including different types (21) of kitchen and table utensils, and personal jewelry such as bracelets and bracelets. Looking at the pieces and cymbals that were brought out, it seems clear that games, such as chess (mancala), hopscotch (alquirk), and dice, were desirable.
Sample Text
Ángela Franco “City of Vascos” in Discover Islamic Art. Museum Without Borders, 2026. 2026. https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=monument;ISL;es;Mon01;11;ar
