# Calatayud

> Aragonese city, capital of the municipality of Calatayud, Spain

**Wikidata**: [Q24016460](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q24016460)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/calatayud-q24016460

## Summary
Calatayud is a city and municipality capital located in the province of Zaragoza, within the autonomous community of Aragon, Spain. Founded in 1120 by Alphonse I of Aragon following the Battle of Cutanda, it succeeded the historical settlement of Qalʿat ʾAyyūb. As of 2024, the city has a registered population of 19,391 inhabitants.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: City, municipality capital, and populated place nucleus.
- **Location**: Situated in Zaragoza Province, Aragon, Spain.
- **Coordinates**: 41.35353°N, -1.64318°W (primary); 41.35431931°N, -1.64472637°W (secondary).
- **Population**: 19,391 (resident register, 2024).
- **Founded**: 1120 by Alphonse I of Aragon.
- **Historical Context**: Replaces the settlement known as Qalʿat ʾAyyūb; formerly part of the Kingdom of Aragon (start time 1120–end time 1707) before becoming part of modern Spain (start time 1707).
- **Etymology**: Named after "qalat" (fortress), referencing Ayyub ibn Habib al-Lakhmi.
- **INE Code**: 50067000101.
- **Awards**: Received the "ciudad" (city) title.
- **Significant Event**: Siege of Calatayud.

## FAQs
**Where is Calatayud located?**
Calatayud is located in the Zaragoza Province of the Aragon region in Spain. It serves as the capital of the municipality of Calatayud.

**Who founded Calatayud and when?**
The city was founded in 1120 by Alphonse I of Aragon. Its inception is linked to the Battle of Cutanda, which occurred in the same year.

**What is the historical significance of the city's name?**
The name derives from "qalat," meaning fortress, and is associated with Ayyub ibn Habib al-Lakhmi. Historically, the city was known as Qalʿat ʾAyyūb (or variants like Calataiud and قلعة أيوب), which it eventually replaced.

**What is the population of Calatayud?**
As of 2024, the population of the municipality capital stands at 19,391 residents according to the resident register.

## Why It Matters
Calatayud holds administrative and historical significance as a regional capital. It serves as the capital for multiple historical and administrative divisions, including the corregimiento of Calatayud, the Province of Calatayud, the vereda de Calatayud, and the Archpriesthood of Calatayud. Its founding in the 12th century marks it as a long-standing urban center in the Kingdom of Aragon, playing a role in the Reconquista and the subsequent organization of the region. The granting of the "ciudad" title further underscores its status within the Spanish state.

## Notable For
- Being the capital of the Community of Calatayud.
- Its foundation by Alphonse I of Aragon in the 12th century.
- Replacing the ancient settlement of Qalʿat ʾAyyūb.
- Holding the official title of "ciudad" (city).
- Its strategic location evidenced by the historical Siege of Calatayud.
- Having a unique identifier in multiple geographic databases (GeoNames, Getty Thesaurus).

## Body

### Geography and Administration
Calatayud is geographically situated in the Zaragoza Province of Aragon, Spain. The city's precise coordinates are recorded as latitude 41.35353 and longitude -1.64318. Administratively, it is classified as a "municipality capital" and a "populated place nucleus" with an INE code of 50067000101. It is distinct from, but partially coincident with, the historical location of Qalʿat ʾAyyūb.

### History
The city was officially founded in 1120 by Alphonse I of Aragon. This foundation occurred in the context of the "Reconquista," specifically following the Battle of Cutanda. The modern city replaces the earlier settlement of Qalʿat ʾAyyūb. Historically, Calatayud was a significant location within the Kingdom of Aragon from 1120 until 1707, after which it became part of Spain.

### Etymology and Names
The name "Calatayud" is derived from the term "qalat," implying a fortress, and is linked to the historical figure Ayyub ibn Habib al-Lakhmi. The city is known by several aliases and historical names, including قلعة أيوب (Qalʿat ʾAyyūb), Calataiud, and "city of Calatayud." It is explicitly differentiated from Augusta Bilbilis in geographic records.

### Demographics
According to the resident register, the population of the municipality capital is 19,391 as of 2024.

### Identifiers and External Links
Calatayud is indexed in various international databases:
- **GeoNames ID**: 3127047
- **Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names ID**: 7007574
- **GNS Unique Feature ID**: -374989
- **Who's on First ID**: 101776043
- **Yale Lux ID**: place/d920812e-f56b-4579-a7a8-60c1308a6b05
- **OpenWeatherMap City ID**: 3127047

### Visual and Heraldic Data
The city utilizes a specific coat of arms (Escudo de Calatayud). Photographic and cartographic resources include a locator map image (Calatayud_in_Aragon.png) and a main image from 2008. The associated Wikimedia Commons category is "City of Calatayud."

## References

1. Nomenclátor Geográfico de Municipios y Entidades de Población (20240402 edition)
2. [Source](http://vocab.getty.edu/tgn/7007574)