The Maritime Fishing Craft in The City of Ceuta (8 AH / 14 AD)

Abstract

The city of Ceuta occupies a vital strategic location controlling the Strait of Gibraltar. It has preserved its rich Arab-Andalusian identity, and its importance stems from its role as a vital center that facilitated land and sea trade, particularly between Morocco and Andalusia, as well as with the Italian islands. Furthermore, its inhabitants were renowned for their seafaring skills, shipbuilding, and coral harvesting, a highly prized commodity. In the mid-8th century AH (14th century CE), the city reached the zenith of its economic power, thanks to its port, one of the most strategically important and influential in the region. This study aims to highlight the extraordinary role the sea plays in shaping the city's economic identity and to examine the key materials used in fishing operations, including nets and boats. The research also addresses the question of whether Ceuta capitalized on its geographical location by utilizing its seaport for fishing, and whether the city left a cultural mark as the gateway to the Maghreb for trade and political relations with Europe. The researcher adopted the narrative, descriptive, and analytical approach in order to reach satisfactory scientific results, while the research culminated in a set of results, the most important of which are: supporting the city’s economy financially and funding defensive fortifications, and stimulating trade in maritime fishing between Ceuta and Europe, which benefits the city’s economy.