Researchers found that medieval Córdoba had infrastructure so advanced it went unmatched in Europe until the 20th century.
Between the 10th and 13th centuries, Córdoba developed a comprehensive approach to urban hygiene, reflected in its intricate sewage system, effective management of cesspools, and community initiatives aimed at keeping the city clean.
Rafael Blanco-Guzmán and Jesús Atensiano-Crespillo published their findings in Al-Masāq: Journal of the Medieval Mediterranean. Their conclusions draw on more than 300 archaeological excavations and historical documents from Al-Andalus, or Muslim Spain.
What Did the Researchers Report?
The extensive study presents a city that not only prioritized sanitation infrastructure but also fostered a sense of civic responsibility for cleanliness among its residents.
At the heart of Córdoba’s sanitation was a complex sewage system that served the walled Medina, the city’s core when it was the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate. Construction probably began during the reign of Abd al-Rahman III and expanded under Al-Mansur. The network was built from sturdy hewn stone, sealed with lime mortar, and capped with stone slabs. Wastewater ran through an underground system to the Guadalquivir River. The scale and complexity of the network suggest it resulted from centralized planning.
The sewage system proved remarkably durable. It continued to function after the Christian conquest in 1236, and some sections operated for centuries afterward, Arkeonews reports.
In residential areas, hygiene infrastructure mostly consisted of cesspools connected to private toilets. These pits were generally shallow and located away from water sources, with the soil acting as a natural filter to protect groundwater. Both authorities and residents understood this approach to sanitation.
What Else Did the Researchers Discover?
By the 10th century, toilets were a common feature in homes across what is now Andalusia. Builders often placed them near streets so waste could drain through ceramic channels. In some cases, neighbors shared cesspools by mutual agreement.
The culture of cleanliness in Córdoba went beyond pipes and pits; it became a legal and social obligation. Residents were responsible for keeping the areas in front of their homes clean.
Municipal officials—such as the market overseer or a local judge—could step in to resolve disputes about water pollution and other sanitation issues. Cesspool maintenance was regulated, and workers who cleaned the pits, despite low social status, received fair pay.
Blanco-Guzmán and Atensiano-Crespillo argue that Córdoba’s sanitation achievements overturn long-held stereotypes about medieval urban hygiene. The city’s system combined planning, architectural design, and community cooperation, and medieval Córdoba cared as much about public health and cleanliness as it did about beauty, learning, and trade.
