The Taifa Kings' Reliance on the Franks and Its Political Impact on the Decline of the Islamic State in al-Andalus

Abstract

This study examines the Taifa period in al-Andalus after the collapse of the Umayyad caliphate in 422 AH and the rise of competing local emirates. It focuses on the reliance of some Taifa rulers on Christian powers against Muslim rivals and the resulting tribute payments, political dependency, resource depletion, and expansion of Frankish influence. The study argues that these policies deepened division, weakened collective defense, contributed to the fall of Toledo, and accelerated the political decline of Muslim rule in al-Andalus.