Architecture and rebellion: Construction of churches during the revolt of Umar ibn Hafsun

This article considers a revised interpretation of the Hafsunid revolt in i ts material aspect, traditionally identified with a type of cave church whi ch has ended in forming an artistic stereotype. Through a review of the ide as which have defined this monumental landscape and a reading of the scant archaeological and documentary sources, the article attempts to show that t he present interpretation does not satisfactorily explain what the construc tion of churches in the context of fitna could represent.