LAUSR

ABSTRACT In this article, I aim to illustrate the international political situation of Catalonia in the middle and second half of the tenth century. Contrary to received opinion, I argue that while Catalonia maintained a friendly relationship with the Frankish kingdom (at least until 968), it simultaneously moved politically closer to al-Andalus and, in the third quarter of the tenth century, was very close to becoming an Andalusī client state. To make this argument, I first analyse the sources related to Catalan diplomatic missions to the Frankish kingdom. Second, I list all the Catalan embassies to Cordova from 940 to 974. Finally, I describe the sudden political change caused by the accession of the tyrant Almanzor in al-Andalus (978). In fact, I show that when Almanzor reopened hostilities against the Christian realms of northern Spain, Catalonia found itself politically isolated and was forced to seek reconciliation with the Frankish kingdom.