 The Visigoths created a fortification in the area next to the river to defend Spalis, the Visigoth name for Seville.During the Almohad domain in 1171, Jucef Abu Jacub, king of Isbilia, ordered the construction of the Puente de barcas (Bridge of Boats), a floating bridge laid over a row of boats, to link the east and west shores.That bridge was chained to what was then called the Castle of Gabir.