Guide to visit the museum

Borderland

Products of the trade route (6c)

In the early 8th century a new rising power, the caliphate of Damascus, occupies the Iberian Peninsula from North Africa. The present day Catalan territory is divided between a north controlled by the Frankish Empire and a south under the sway of Al-Andalus, which becomes independent in 929 and proclaims a new caliphate with the capital in Cordoba. The border is stabilized in the 9th century alongside Barcelona, while in the 10th century it is situated near Tarragona, to the south.

Because of this evolution on the frontier, Andalusian culture has a greater or lesser influence on the territory, and is strongest in the lands of Balaguer, Lleida, Tarragona and Tortosa. They are part of the Islamic world, integrated into an economic and religious community that stretches as far as India. That wide sphere of influence brings it new scientific, religious and cultural knowledge, as well as exotic products. In showcase 6C there is a selection of items that were highly prized at that time, such as spices from India or rice and paper from China, which reached Europe along the trade routes.

Explore our history Explore our history Prepare the visit Prepare the visit Agenda Agenda
© Museu d'Història de Catalunya | Política de privacidad | Declaració d’Accessibilitat