Capital
'Abd al-Rahman III, the self-proclaimed caliph of the Islamic lands of southern Spain, commissioned a great palace-city in 936 (324 a.h., by the Islamic calendar). Called Madinat al-Zahra' ("shining city" in Arabic), it was located near his capital at Córdoba and included residences, reception halls, a mosque, markets and gardens.
Madinat al-Zahra' was destroyed by Berbers from North Africa in 1010 (400 a.h.). Sculpture from the site was reused in medieval churches and secular buildings.
Madinat al-Zahra' was destroyed by Berbers from North Africa in 1010 (400 a.h.). Sculpture from the site was reused in medieval churches and secular buildings.
Artwork Details
- Title: Capital
- Date: ca. 960
- Geography: Made in Cordoba, Andalusia, Spain
- Culture: Spanish
- Medium: Marble
- Dimensions: Overall: 8 9/16 x 9 15/16 x 9 1/16 in. (21.7 x 25.2 x 23 cm)
- Classification: Sculpture-Architectural
- Credit Line: The Cloisters Collection, 1925
- Object Number: 25.120.508
- Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters
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Spanish
ca. 960
Frankish
8th century (?)
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