Emires, príncipes, princesas y arráecesla casa real Nazarí de Jaén

Abstract

This article focuses on the identification and study of the main characters belonging to the family of the Banū l-Aḥmar (founder of the Naṣrid dynasty that ruled Naṣrid Kingdom) born in Arjona (Jaén) and Jaén town. Taking as a starting point the figure of the first Naṣrid emir, Muḥammad I, the study analyzes the genealogical relationship of the two preceding and the two succeeding generations beside his own. The result shows a five generation family tree in which can be seen a significant amount of Naṣrid family members born in Arjona and Jaen. This reflects the size of the group and the need for family ties and kinship networks in order to create of a new state. Geographical proximity as well as the political relevance of many of the Naṣrid family members are two factors that contributed to group cohesion. This fact demonstrates the importance of lineages, families and local elites in the al-Andalus society and its political development.