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The origins of the city of Cuenca and its consolidation as an important population center can be traced to the Moslem domination following the year 711 AD. There was also a province similar to the current one, in the 10th century: the extensive Kora de Santavería. Its capital was located in Shantabariya (Ercávica), with its main enclaves being Uklis (Uclés), Wabda (Huete), Quelaza (Iniesta), Walmu (Huélamo), Al-Qualat (Alcalá de la Vega), Al-Arkun (Alarcón) and Kuvenka (Cuenca).  Starting in the mid-12th century, the Arab geographer El-Idrisí describes Cuenca as being a small and ancient village next to an artificial lake or lagoon surrounded by fortified walls, with a population of about 700. Located on a high unconquerable hill and encircled by the Júcar and Huécar Rivers, the city had great strategic value. For that reason, on September 21st, 1177, Cuenca was conquered by the Christian army, led by Alfonso the 8th and backed by the Aragonese King Alfonso the 2nd.  Following the conquest, the city was awarded a large amount of territory and a repopulation campaign began, which resulted in the founding of several small hamlets. At the same time, the king set about repaying the various noblemen, prelates, and military orders that had helped him in his effort to win the city. The task of repopulation was regulated by a new set of laws, called the Fuero de Cuenca. The new Episcopal seat was also re-established straightaway in Cuenca, following the restoration of what had been the ancient seats during the Visigoth era: Ercávica, Valeria, and years later, Segóbriga, when the territory of the ancient Moslem province (or “Kora”) was conquered. The constant presence of the Moslems made agriculture undesirable and farmers preferred to dedicate themselves to livestock, much more easily defended in case of attack. The Fuero of Cuenca stimulated war, as it recognized a superior category made up of all those in possession of war horses. Thus, the People’s Cavalry came into existence, charged with the ongoing defense of local land and of communal livestock. Little by little, the People’s Cavalry of Cuenca would see its privileges grow and would end up as the most powerful group in the city, with its members occupying the most influential advisory positions.
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