The spoils of expulsion. Process for recovery of the “halves”, and appraisal of real estate left by the Moriscos in Castile

Abstract

The complex process of the expulsion of the Moriscos in the early seventeenth century has been increasingly researched in recent years, yet many aspects remain to be studied. This paper analyzes the different types of Morisco possessions that were confiscated during the expulsion. The first part of the paper studies how a levy was established to allow the Moriscos to take out of the country part of their wealth in gold, silver, or jewellery. The second part of this paper analyzes the process of confiscation, administration, appraisal and sale of Morisco landed property. This paper will also provide global figures for the quantity of Morisco possessions confiscated in the expulsion.