Crown of Aragon: Expansion and Society (12th-15th Centuries)
The Territorial Expansion of the 12th Century
In the 12th century, the Catalan counties and the Kingdom of Aragon extended their territories. King Alfonso I of Aragon, the Battler, occupied all populations of the Muslim kingdom of Zaragoza, including the capital (1118). Later, Alfonso II of Aragon ended the occupation. Meanwhile, the Count of Barcelona, Ramon Berenguer IV, completed the formation of the Catalan territory to Tortosa and Lleida.
The Creation of the Crown of Aragon
In 1137, the marriage of Petronilla, daughter of the King of Aragon, and the Count of Barcelona, Ramon Berenguer IV, unified the two territories. Their son, Alfonso II of Aragon, was the first king of the Crown of Aragon.
12th-15th Century Expansion
King James I, the Conqueror, occupied Valencia (1238), Mallorca (1229), and Ibiza (1235). Menorca was occupied later, in 1287. By the Treaty of Almizra (1244), signed between James I and Alfonso X of Castile, Murcia was incorporated into the Crown of Castile.
Repopulation
In the land occupied by the King of Aragon, Muslims remained in these territories (Mudéjars). The Balearic Islands were occupied by settlers of Catalan origin. The kingdom of Valencia was repopulated by Aragonese occupying the lands of the interior.
A Diversified Economy
The economy of the Crown of Aragon was based on agriculture and livestock. In the lands, Aragonese sheep and the rich gardens of Valencia had an important role.
Mediterranean Trade Routes
The most frequent routes headed for Sardinia and Sicily, reaching the Aegean, the Byzantine Empire, and North Africa. The ships sailed loaded with oil, fabrics, iron tools, and weapons. They returned with silk, spices, and wheat. In the main ports of the Mediterranean Sea, Consulates were created, where a Consul, a representative, had the power to settle disputes.
Military Conquests
This expansion was initiated in the late 13th century when Peter the Great occupied Sicily (1282) and in the early 14th century when James II occupied Sardinia (1323). Later, an expedition of mercenaries, the Almogavars, controlled the duchies of Athens and Neopatria. Finally, in the 15th century, King Alfonso the Magnanimous conquered Naples and incorporated its territories into the Crown.
The Trastámara Dynasty
The Trastámara dynasty was introduced in the Crown of Aragon after the death of King Martin the Humane (1410) without an heir. There were two candidates: the Castilian Ferdinand of Antequera and the Count of Urgell. Ferdinand was chosen. His successors were Alfonso the Magnanimous and John II, who faced a civil war. John’s son was Ferdinand II, called the Catholic.
Social Conflict
Mortality from the plague severely affected Castile. However, the crisis did not affect the territories of the Crown of Aragon as deeply, and for the Kingdom of Valencia, this was an era of economic growth.
The *Remença* Peasants
In Catalonia, the peasants (called *remensas*) revolted against the nobles, who had hardened the conditions of servitude and imposed abuses. One of these abuses was the *redimensa*, forcing farmers to pay heavy taxes to abandon their land.
Conflict in the City
In the cities, a party called *La Busca* was organized and clashed with the oligarchy. This oligarchy, in turn, was grouped into a party called *La Biga*.
Civil War
These conflicts triggered a civil war in which King John II had the support of the *remensas* and *La Busca*. The war between farmers and lords erupted in 1462 and lasted 10 years. The conflict did not end until Ferdinand II agreed to the abolition of abuses.
Romanesque Art
Architecture
Early Romanesque buildings include rural churches in the Pyrenean valleys. Churches in the Boí Valley (Sant Climent and Santa Maria de Taüll) are noteworthy. In the 12th century, large monasteries like Sant Joan de les Abadesses, Ripoll, or Sant Pere de Rodes were built.
Sculpture and Painting
Romanesque sculpture is a decorative complement but with a clear didactic function. The relief of the door of Santa Maria de Ripoll is a prime example. The best paint samples are found in the frescoes that decorate the apses and walls of churches.
Gothic Art
Architecture
Religious buildings are the most significant, among which are the cathedrals of Palma de Mallorca, Girona, and the outstanding Santa Maria del Mar in Barcelona. Civil architecture also experienced great development, such as the Drassanes shipyards in Barcelona or the Valencia Silk Exchange.
Sculpture
There is an influence of Flemish art, seen in the realism of the characters’ faces and clothes. Among the most important artists are Pere Joan and Jaume Cascalls.