10th century – 13th century
Ifrikiya, central Maghrib, Atlantic plains, and Moroccan Atlas
Arab nomad migrations transformed the balance between sedentary and mobile life in the Maghrib from the eleventh century onward. The Banu Hilal, followed by the Banu Sulaym in the twelfth century, disrupted agriculture and intensified disorder in Ifrikiya and the central Maghrib. Almohad authorities subsequently transferred many nomads to Atlantic plains, while the Banu Maqil occupied southern and eastern parts of the Moroccan Atlas.
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The Story
From the eleventh century, the traditional balance between sedentary communities and nomadic groups shifted in favour of nomadism. The passage attributes this transformation to the arrival of Arab nomads, first the Banu Hilal and, during the twelfth century, the Banu Sulaym. Their movements affected agriculture, political order, and the connections linking the western Maghrib with eastern regions.
At the beginning of the thirteenth century, the migrations were associated with what the passage calls the “total devastation” of crops and the spread of anarchy in Ifrikiya and the central Maghrib. The author also records disagreement among historians about this interpretation, signalling that the extent of the destruction should not be treated as certain. Even with that qualification, the migrations are presented as a major force in the reorganization of Maghrib society.
The Almohads responded according to military and economic calculations by transferring large numbers of nomads to the Atlantic plains. Other Bedouin groups, identified as the Banu Maqil, occupied the southern and eastern parts of the Moroccan Atlas. These movements contributed to the Maghrib’s growing separation from the east and disrupted its relations with the Sudan, while social and economic life became increasingly oriented toward the Mediterranean coast.
10th century – 13th century
Ifrikiya, central Maghrib, Atlantic plains, and Moroccan Atlas
Arab nomad migrations transformed the balance between sedentary and mobile life in the Maghrib from the eleventh century onward. The Banu Hilal, followed by the Banu Sulaym in the twelfth century, disrupted agriculture and intensified disorder in Ifrikiya and the central Maghrib. Almohad authorities subsequently transferred many nomads to Atlantic plains, while the Banu Maqil occupied southern and eastern parts of the Moroccan Atlas.
Continue exploring
The Story
From the eleventh century, the traditional balance between sedentary communities and nomadic groups shifted in favour of nomadism. The passage attributes this transformation to the arrival of Arab nomads, first the Banu Hilal and, during the twelfth century, the Banu Sulaym. Their movements affected agriculture, political order, and the connections linking the western Maghrib with eastern regions.
At the beginning of the thirteenth century, the migrations were associated with what the passage calls the “total devastation” of crops and the spread of anarchy in Ifrikiya and the central Maghrib. The author also records disagreement among historians about this interpretation, signalling that the extent of the destruction should not be treated as certain. Even with that qualification, the migrations are presented as a major force in the reorganization of Maghrib society.
The Almohads responded according to military and economic calculations by transferring large numbers of nomads to the Atlantic plains. Other Bedouin groups, identified as the Banu Maqil, occupied the southern and eastern parts of the Moroccan Atlas. These movements contributed to the Maghrib’s growing separation from the east and disrupted its relations with the Sudan, while social and economic life became increasingly oriented toward the Mediterranean coast.