Medieval Spain: Kingdoms of Castile and Aragon
Kingdom of Castile
In 1217, Berenguela of Castile arranged for her son to become Fernando III of Castile. Under Alfonso X El Sabio, Castile was home to considerable cultural achievements. He was a great patron of the arts and promoted learning based on classical sources. A civil war between Pedro I and his half-brother, Enrique de Trastámara, took place from 1356 to 1369. The war ended with the creation of the Trastámara dynasty. Alfonso IX of Leon conquered much of Extremadura, and Fernando III took Cordoba, Murcia, and Seville. There was one last Muslim invasion from North Africa at the end of the 13th century, but the Marinids only gained control of a small territory around Algeciras. They were defeated by Alfonso XI of Castile at the Battle of Salado in 1340. Under the system of repartimientos, most conquered lands were given to the nobility and the military orders.
Crown of Aragon
Mallorca was taken in 1229 under Jaime I. Valencia was also taken during the reign of Jaime I in 1238. Repopulation was carried out by different groups. Mallorca was populated by Catalans, while both Catalans and Aragonese settled in Valencia and Mallorca. Many Mudejars remained in Valencia after its reconquest. Pedro III occupied Sicily in the late 13th century. Jaime II took Sardinia in 1325. At the same time, groups of mercenaries gained control in the Greek dukedom of Athens. In 1443, Alfonso V captured Naples.
Economy of Castile
- Wool Industry: The wool industry was extremely important in Medieval Castile. They moved sheep long distances along north-south routes called cañadas.
- Commercial Activity: The increase in wool exports to northern countries led to the rise of ports on the Cantabrian coast. Commercial activity within Spain was more modest, but there were important trade fairs like Medina del Campo.
- Agriculture: Cereals, vines for wine, and olives for olive oil.
Society of Castile
- Aristocracy: Received vast areas of land and acquired immense wealth during the Reconquista.
- Clergy: Was also highly privileged. It did not have to pay taxes and received land and wealth.
- Peasants: Were affected by wars, epidemics, taxes, and obligations.
- Minorities: Mudejars and Jews.
Institutions of Castile
- Monarchy: The monarch was surrounded by nobles and officials who formed the court and, later, the Royal Council.
- Cortes: Was an assembly made up of the representatives of the aristocracy, clergy, and important citizens.
- Municipalities: They often had considerable autonomy in accordance with traditional laws, or fueros, were administered by city councils and controlled by the nobility and the bourgeoisie.
Economy of the Crown of Aragon
- Aragon: Consisted of agriculture and livestock.
- Catalonia: Very important textile industry.
- Valencia: Traded across the Mediterranean.
Society of the Crown of Aragon
- Great magnates who controlled much of the wealth of the region.
- Wealthy bourgeoisie.
- Clergy was very influential and wealthy.
- Most people were peasants, free farmers.
Social Conflicts in the Crown of Aragon
The Black Death had a significant impact. In the countryside, there were fewer people as a result of the plague, and many farms were abandoned. In the cities, economic problems created social tensions. The Biga was a party of the wealthy merchants and their supporters. The Busca was supported by smaller merchants, craftsmen, and poor people. A civil war took place from 1462 to 1472 during the reign of Juan II.
Institutions of the Crown of Aragon
The Crown of Aragon was a federation of many different states. As the king could not be everywhere at the same time, a Viceroy became his substitute in some territories. There was a Cortes in each kingdom. An official called Justicia Mayor was responsible for defending rights and privileges. A Generalitat governed in both Catalonia and Valencia. Municipalities in the larger cities had considerable autonomy.