The Repopulation and Society of Christian Kingdoms
The Repopulation of the Territory
The Christian kingdoms promoted the repopulation of the reconquered territory using different systems:
The Repopulation Councils
This system was used in the area between the Duero and Tajo rivers and the Ebro valley. These urban areas, with significant populations, were reconquered and the territory was divided into townships. Each municipality received a house and land. Knights received payments monthly.
The Repopulation by Military Orders
This system was used in border zones and dangerous areas with little population. The repopulation was assigned to various military orders that received extensive territories called “maestrats.” In exchange, they had to defend the land and foster population growth.
The Resettlement by Allocation
This system was used in the Guadalquivir valley, Murcia, the Valencian Coast, and the Balearic Islands. The territory was divided between those who participated in the Reconquista according to their merits.
The Economy and Society of Christian Kingdoms
The economy was based on the predominance of large estates (seigneuries) in the hands of the clergy, nobility, and military orders. These estates were worked by peasants who depended on the lords. Donations were given as payment for the royal Reconquista and repopulation of the territory. There were also many free peasants, especially in dangerous border areas.
Farming
Agriculture was the basis of the economy in the Christian kingdoms. They cultivated cereals, vineyards, and olive trees. In the irrigated lands of the Mediterranean rivers and the Guadalquivir, fruit trees and vegetable gardens were widespread.
Livestock
Livestock, especially sheep, was important in Spain. The merino sheep provided excellent wool.
The Development of Urban Craft Activities
The family workshop was predominant, specializing in wool, leather, iron, and wine. Artisans were grouped into guilds.
Society Estates in Christian Kingdoms
Medieval society was divided into estates: the privileged (nobility and clergy) and the non-privileged (peasants and artisans).
Art and Culture
The Gothic and Mudejar Art
Gothic art, which came from France, developed between the 12th and 15th centuries in the peninsular Christian kingdoms. Gothic architecture was most representative in cathedral building. Painting originated in altarpieces and miniatures.
The Characteristics of the Mudejar Style
This original architectural style from the Iberian Peninsula was influenced by Christian Romanesque and Gothic styles. It used brick as the main material because it was cheap and allowed for rapid building.
The Kingdom of Valencia and the Beginnings of the Modern Age
James I the Conqueror
James I became King of Aragon and Catalonia at the age of 5. His reign saw the beginnings of the modern age in Europe, with a series of transformations that marked the beginning of a new historical phase.
Monarchical Instruments of Power
Monarchs unified the territory, subdued all powers, improved management, implemented a permanent army, and organized international relations.
Farming
Farming continued to be the majority occupation in the 16th century and experienced a period of expansion thanks to good harvests and new land cultivation.
Crafts
Craftsmanship reached an important level of development, and industry also developed.
Trade
Trade experienced a boom due to increased demand and the opening of new trade routes. This led to an extended circulation of coins.
The Nobility and Clergy
The nobility and clergy remained economically and politically powerful, although subject to the king’s authority.
The Bourgeoisie
The bourgeoisie became a rising social group due to their enrichment through trade and banking.
The Peasants
Peasants were emancipated from servitude and worked their own land or as employees of the lords.
Humanism
Humanism, an intellectual movement that arose in 15th-century Italy, brought a remarkable change in mindset compared to the medieval era. It took classical antiquity as a model and placed the human being at the center of the world.
The Spread of Humanism
Humanism spread from Italy throughout Europe through the travels of humanists, the foundation of academies where humanists and artists received economic protection (patronage) from nobles and bourgeois, and the invention of the printing press by Gutenberg, which multiplied book production and lowered costs.
Characteristics of the Renaissance
The Renaissance arose in Italy with inspiration from ancient Rome. Art captured anthropocentrism, nature was used as a model, and the social consideration of artists improved. Art was supported by patrons. Renaissance architecture in Italy is characterized by the use of classical elements like Greek and Roman orders, arches, flat roofs or domes, and stone as the main material.