“Des de lo asut de Algar fins a les arenes de la mar”: the Séquia Major of Morvedre in the Middle Ages (Sagunt, Valencian Country)

Abstract

This paper analyses the configuration and functioning of the Séquia Major de Sagunt during the Andalusi period and the changes introduced in it after the Christian conquest through documentation and the morphology of the hydraulic system. The conquest of 1238 initiated a process of Christian appropriation of the area promoted by James I, who increased the water supply to Morvedre (Sagunt) with the aim of attracting Christian settlers. The increase in water supplies to the town meant the elimination of the Andalusi mode of distribution and the reduction of the flows belonging to the Muslim building communities. The dispossession of these aljamas coincided with their placement within lordships, which began a long period of conflict against Morvedre in defence of the pre-conquest irrigation system. However, the form of distribution implemented in the 13th century was maintained until the liberal reforms of the 19th century.