In the Middle Ages, the islands' communal organisation in this period pitted the Mdina town-council, or "Universitas", against the independent entity centred around the "Castrum Maris". Many inhabitants of Birgu, and the neighbouring villages argued that they were not liable to pay taxes to the Mdina town-council, as they fell within "Castrum Maris" jurisdiction. For example, this was the case with the inhabitants of Żejtun, who refused to pay the taxes due to the Mdina council in 1473, even if as late as 1494 they were expected to take refuge in Mdina, rather than Birgu.