Castile, Aragon, Navarre, and Granada in the Middle Ages

1. The Crown of Castile

1.1 The Castilian Reconquista

The Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212 marked Christian superiority against Muslims and led to the reconquest of Andalusia. Ferdinand III took Seville, Jaén, and the city of Cordoba. Murcia was conquered by Alfonso X the Wise, who ensured fairness of the proceedings.

1.2 Control of the Strait of Gibraltar in the 13th Century

The Marinids crossed the Strait and attacked Christians. Alfonso XI defeated them at the Battle of Salado, securing Castilian control of the Strait of Gibraltar. This victory initiated expeditions to the Canary Islands.

1.3 Government of Castile

Ferdinand III achieved the union of Castile and León, creating a huge area where the king was considered sovereign by the grace of God. The court was composed of the king's inner circle of family members. In the next century, the Royal Council became an advisory body to the king. Henry II established the Trastámara hereditary monarchy.

2. The Castilian Economy and Society in the Middle Ages

2.1 The Crown of Castile's Economy

The basis of the economy was agriculture, but sheep farming was also important. Domestic trade flourished in fairs like those of Medina del Campo. Burgos was the most important center for foreign trade, with wool being shipped to ports of Biscay. Seville and Cadiz became major shopping centers due to their close control of trade routes. The Mesta, an association of livestock owners, defended their interests, including the right of free access to migration routes.

2.2 Social Structure

The stratified society structure was maintained, but some changes occurred. The noble estate grew thanks to allotments, creating a difference between high and low nobility. The bourgeoisie developed thanks to trade. Peasants were harmed by the crisis of the 14th century, as nobles placed pressure on them to offset their losses.

3. The Crown of Aragon

3.1 The End of the Reconquista

Two annexations culminated the Reconquista: the Balearic Islands and Valencia. The reconquest of the Kingdom of Murcia saw Castile occupying most of the kingdom, but Aragon retained the Alicante area.

3.2 Mediterranean Expansion

Aragon had a clear Mediterranean vocation. It occupied the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, and later Naples.

3.3 Government of Aragon

In the 13th century, the courts were set up in Valencia and Catalonia. They were organized into three estates, with the nobility divided into high and low nobility in Aragon.

4. Economy, Society, and Culture of Aragon

4.1 Economy

Aragon's economy was based on agriculture, while Catalonia had a thriving textile industry. Valencia was an important gateway for products and Renaissance innovations.

4.2 Society

The Black Death entered through Mediterranean ports and spread into the peninsula. Due to the conquest, there was a larger Mudejar and Jewish population. Ramon Llull was a prominent figure of this period.

4.3 Culture

Culture was dominated by universities. In the 14th century, humanism spread, influenced by Alfonso V the Magnanimous.

5. The Kingdom of Navarre and the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada

5.1 The Kingdom of Navarre

The Kingdom of Navarre was situated between Castile, Aragon, and France, serving as a vehicle for cultural transmission.

5.2 The Nasrid Kingdom of Granada

The Nasrid Kingdom of Granada was the last Muslim territory in the Iberian Peninsula. By the mid-14th century, it was weakened by wars. Granada had a very distinct Gothic and Moorish style, with important Nasrid architecture.

6. Gothic, Mudejar, and Nasrid Art

6.1 Gothic Art in Aragon

Civil architecture flourished. Sculpture was used in graves and beautiful covers. Major works were auctioned, including portrayals of the deceased. Painting was influenced by Italian styles.

6.2 Mudejar Art

Mudejar art mixed Romanesque and Gothic styles with soft materials and horseshoe arches.

6.3 Nasrid Art

Nasrid art used fragile and cheap materials to create a luxurious appearance. Each area was centered around an interior courtyard with fountains and ponds, surrounded by rooms opening to the patio. The Alhambra, built in the 15th century, is a prime example of Nasrid architecture.

By the 15th century, the Iberian Peninsula was divided into the kingdoms of Portugal, Navarre, Aragon, Castile, and Granada.