--- title: Map of the Taifa Kingdoms of Iberia, 1031–1086: Al-Andalus between Córdoba and the Almoravids author: Simeon Netchev source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/15872/map-of-the-taifa-kingdoms-of-iberia-1031-1086/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) updated: 2026-06-06 --- # Map of the Taifa Kingdoms of Iberia, 1031–1086: Al-Andalus between Córdoba and the Almoravids _Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_ ## Image File [![Map of the Taifa Kingdoms of Iberia, 1031–1086: Al-Andalus between Córdoba and the Almoravids](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/15872.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/15872.png) ## Image Caption The first [taifa](https://www.worldhistory.org/Taifa/) period followed the collapse of [Umayyad](https://www.worldhistory.org/Umayyad_Dynasty/) authority in al-Andalus. The Umayyad Emirate of Córdoba (756–929) had become the [Caliphate](https://www.worldhistory.org/Islamic_Caliphates/) of Córdoba (929–1031), but civil [war](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/) and elite rivalry broke central power apart, leading to the caliphate’s formal dissolution in 1031. In the vacuum that followed, al-Andalus fragmented into independent Muslim-ruled kingdoms known as taifas, from the Arabic ṭāʾifa, meaning “faction” or “party.” These states were ruled by local Arab, [Berber](https://www.worldhistory.org/Berbers/), Andalusi, and Ṣaqāliba elites, who competed through [warfare](https://www.worldhistory.org/warfare/), diplomacy, tribute, and shifting alliances while trying to preserve legitimacy in a rapidly changing Iberian political landscape. At their height, there may have been several dozen taifas, though power gradually concentrated in major centers such as Seville, Toledo, Zaragoza, Badajoz, Valencia, Granada, Málaga, Almería, and Dénia. The taifa courts could be wealthy and culturally brilliant, but political division made them increasingly vulnerable to the expanding Christian kingdoms of the north. The capture of Toledo in 1085 by Alfonso VI of León-Castile (king of León, 1065–1109; king of Castile from 1072) marked a decisive turning point. Facing growing military pressure, several taifa rulers appealed to the Almoravids, a reformist Berber dynasty from North [Africa](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/africa/). Their victory at Sagrajas/Zallaqa in 1086 halted Alfonso’s advance, but Almoravid intervention soon turned into [conquest](https://www.worldhistory.org/warfare/), ending much of the first taifa period by the late 11th and early 12th centuries. #### Editorial Review This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/). ## About the Author Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past. - [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/) ## Cite This Work ### APA Netchev, S. (2026, June 06). Map of the Taifa Kingdoms of Iberia, 1031–1086: Al-Andalus between Córdoba and the Almoravids. *World History Encyclopedia*. ### Chicago Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Taifa Kingdoms of Iberia, 1031–1086: Al-Andalus between Córdoba and the Almoravids." *World History Encyclopedia*, June 06, 2026. . ### MLA Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Taifa Kingdoms of Iberia, 1031–1086: Al-Andalus between Córdoba and the Almoravids." *World History Encyclopedia*, 06 Jun 2026, . ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 06 June 2026. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.