Castile and Aragon: Conquest, Economy, and Culture
The Conquest of the Guadalquivir Valley
In 1212, the Muslim defeat at Las Navas de Tolosa opened the territory of al-Andalus to the conquering armies. Portugal took possession of the Algarve, while Castile conquered Andalusia and Murcia. The Crown of Aragon expanded into Valencia and the Balearic Islands. The scarcity of people led to great lordships, and much of these territories were worked by deer.
The crowns of Castile and León joined and separated often, until 1230 when Fernando III united them forever, founding the Crown of Castile. This kingdom became the most powerful. In 1085, Alfonso VI took Toledo. The Tagus Valley fell to Castile, and after the Muslim defeat at Las Navas de Tolosa, Kings Fernando III and Alfonso X conquered most of Andalusia. In the 8th century, Portugal was lost because it became an independent government.
Government of Castile
Castile maintained the same institutions and laws. The Castilian king held power over state laws, could elaborate on war and judge. The courts could not legislate.
Economy and Society of Castile
The economy was based on agriculture and livestock. Livestock breeding of Merino sheep was significant, with wool exported to other countries or used in the textile industry. Farmers met together to solve problems in Mesta. In 1273, King Alfonso X acknowledged the council, honored Mesta, and granted it privileges. The sale of wool cloth and handicrafts developed significantly, leading to fairs such as the Medina del Campo.
Cultural Splendor of Castile
Numerous buildings in Castile were constructed in the Romanesque and Gothic styles.
The Crown of Aragon
The Crown of Aragon was created in the 12th century following the marriage of Dona Petronilla and the Count of Barcelona, Ramon Berenguer IV, in 1137. The first king was their son Alfonso. Aragon’s expansion in the Iberian Peninsula was smaller than that of Castile. In the 12th century, Alfonso conquered the Ebro Valley. In the 13th century, Jaime I, the Conqueror, took Valencia, Alicante, and Murcia. Expansion in the Mediterranean was important in the 14th century under Peter the Great and his successors, including the conquest of Sicily.
Government of Aragon
The Crown of Aragon was composed of the Catalan counties and the kingdoms of Valencia, Mallorca, and Aragon. Each kingdom maintained its own institutions. The king’s power was less than that of the Castilian king; he could not establish new taxes or laws without the approval of the courts. Justice was maintained, and the charters were respected.
Economy and Society of Aragon
The majority of the population was engaged in agricultural activity. Aragon had extensive seagoing trade with many countries. Catalan shops had consulates in many European, African, and Asian cities. Consuls in Barcelona, Valencia, and Palma judged sea navigation and commerce.
Cultural Splendor of Aragon
The Romanesque style appeared very early in the territories of the Kingdom of Aragon, with churches built in this style. The Gothic style also had an important development, with religious and civil buildings such as the auctions of Valencia and Palma.