Azaila facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Azaila, Aragón, Spain
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municipality
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 Azaila
Location in Spain
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| Country | Spain | ||
| Autonomous community | Aragon | ||
| Province | Teruel | ||
| Comarca | Bajo Martín | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 81.44 km2 (31.44 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 276 m (906 ft) | ||
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 94 | ||
| Demonym(s) | Azalaino | ||
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | ||
Azaila is a small town in the province of Teruel, located in the Aragon region of Spain. It covers an area of about 81 square kilometers. In 2015, only 116 people lived there. Close to Azaila, you can find the ancient ruins of an Iberian village called Cabezo de Alcalá.
Contents
History of Azaila
Azaila is located on the right bank of the River Aguasvivas. The name Azaila comes from the Arabic word for "the flat," which describes the plain area nearby.
Early Settlements and Ancient Times
The first people to settle in this area lived in a village called Cabezo de Alcalá. This village is near the River Aguasvivas. Archaeologists have found evidence of three different groups of people living there over time.
The first settlers came from central Europe, arriving between the 7th century BC and 218 BC. After them, the Iberians lived there. Then, the Romans took over, from 218 BC to 72 BC. The village was destroyed around 76 to 72 BC during some ancient battles. Some studies suggest it might have been destroyed later, around 49 BC.
Medieval Discoveries
Recently, a medieval Christian burial ground was found outside Azaila. It is near the ruins of a small medieval fort. This burial ground dates back to sometime between the 8th and 16th centuries.
Not much is known about the Muslim settlement in Azaila, apart from its name.
Aragonese Rule and Ownership
After the Aragonese people took control of the land in the late 12th century, it was given to important families. In 1196, King Pedro II gave Azaila to Gastón de Castellote. His family continued to own the land for many years.
Later, in the late 14th century, Gastón de Rueda owned Azaila. By the early 17th century, in 1610, Pedro de Lanuza was the owner.
Political Changes
Over the centuries, Azaila's way of being governed changed several times. It was part of different administrative areas, like the Sobrecullida of Zaragoza and the Corregimiento of Alcañiz.
In 1834, Azaila likely got its own local council. It was part of the Híjar district for a while. Then, in 1965, it became part of the Alcañiz district. Today, it is part of the Bajo Martín region, which is how the Aragonese government organizes its areas.
Local Church History
The local church in Azaila is dedicated to Nuestra Señora del Rosario (Our Lady of the Rosary). However, some old studies suggest it was originally dedicated to Saint Peter the Martyr.
The church building itself was built in the 17th century. It has a baroque style, which was popular at that time. The Dukes of Híjar, who were important landowners, paid for its construction. Their family shield can still be seen above the church door. The church is made of stone and brick. Much of its inside decoration was lost in 1936, but it has been restored recently.
Population Changes Over Time
In 1489, there were 20 homes in Azaila. By 1495, this number had dropped to 12. All of these homes belonged to Muslim families. When the Moors (Muslims from Spain) were forced to leave, Azaila became almost empty. About 86 homes were abandoned.
Many people from Azaila and nearby towns like Cuarte and Rodén had to leave. They traveled a long distance to the port of Los Alfaques. From there, they sailed to North Africa.
From 1645 to 1718, the population stayed small, with only about 8 homes. By 1776, there were 72 people. In the mid-19th century, Azaila had about 100 houses and 467 people.
However, from 1970 onwards, the population started to drop. By the early 21st century, there were around 200 people. Today, the population is even smaller.
Modern Azaila
Today, the main way people in Azaila make a living is through farming.
Images for kids
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An ancient Iberian tomb found near Azaila
See also
In Spanish: Azaila para niños
