Segregated Fields. Castilian and Morisco Peasants in Moclón (Málaga, Spain, 16th century)

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to analyse the distribution of the agricultural fields in the alquería of Moclón (Málaga. Spain) after the Castilian conquest of 1485. Moclón was populated by seven morisco neighbours and five Castilian settlers during the 16th century, until the expulsion of the Moriscos in 1570. The study of written evidence and the archaeological survey have permitted us to locate the fields of both communities. Clearly, there were segregated areas of irrigated and dry fields. The internal distribution of the Moriscos’ fields is also analysed. Finally, some explanations for this segregation are put forward.