Los sistemas de irrigación de origen andalusí en el pago de Alpujata-Monda (Málaga). Una reconstrucción desde el libro de repartimiento y apeo, y la metodología de la arqueología hidráulica

Abstract

The rural area named Alpujata is located in the district of Monda (Málaga), called after a small river that shapes a narrow valley. This is one of the three areas in Monda where traditionally irrigated lands can be found. The origin of this irrigation network is dated in the al-Andalus period, based on the information recorded in the “Repartimiento” of 1491, the “Apeo” of 1572 and the water distribution design, beside the shaping of farming plots. Our aim is to identify the original irrigated area, created in al-Andalus times, and those developed in afterwards expansions. This identification is based on three elements: the drawing of irrigation network and the shapes of plots; the description of farming areas; and the location of residential spots. To do so we combine both the written records as well as the hidraulic archaeology’s methodology.