Medieval History and Literature of the Crown of Aragon

Formation and Expansion of the Crown of Aragon

The Dynastic Union and Territorial Growth

• The formation and expansion of the Crown of Aragon became constant by the end of the 13th century.
• The dynastic union between Aragon and Catalonia was solidified by the wedding of Ramon Berenguer IV and Petronilla of Aragon.

Jaume I (The Conqueror) and Major Conquests

The Reign of Jaume I (1229–1245)

Jaume I (James I) undertook significant campaigns between 1229 and 1245. The distribution of conquered land was crucial, and Jaume I established new land charters (furs).

• A kingdom with its own jurisdictions was enacted in 1261.
• Conquests: Sicily, Corsica, Sardinia, and the Duchies of Athens and Neopatras in Greece.

Legal and Linguistic Developments

• Libro del Consulado del Mar: The most important work of medieval maritime law.
• The Catalan language began to be used in written documents addressing the public.
• Royal Bureaucracy: A body responsible for drafting and executing all types of official documents for the Catalan-Aragon Crown.

Troubadour Poetry and Courtly Love

Troubadour poetry originated in Occitan. These poetic compositions flourished from the 12th century until the 13th century, focusing on courtly love.

• Key Figures:
  • The Lady (midons)
  • The Troubadour (hom), who was married and the object of vassalage.
  • The Accusers (lausengiers) and the jealous husband (gilós).

Ramon Llull: Philosopher and Writer

Ramon Llull was born in Mallorca in 1232 and died in Tunis in 1316. Initially a page to the conquerors, he devoted himself to courtly literature before experiencing a conversion (circa 1265).

Llull's Conversion and Goals

His conversion led to three main goals:

1. Spreading Christianity.
2. Spreading the Christian ideal.
3. Creating schools for missionaries.

Llull authored a vast body of work (estimated at 250 titles) in various languages and fields. He was one of the first European writers to use a romance language (Catalan) to address philosophical and theological issues.

Major Works of Ramon Llull

Llull is considered the creator of Catalan literature; his prose became a model for the language.

• The Book of the Order of Chivalry
• Evast and Blanquerna
• Felix or The Book of Wonders

The Four Great Catalan Chronicles

During the 13th and 14th centuries, four major chronicles were written, detailing important historical events and featuring the Kings of the House of Aragon as protagonists. These works represent an innovative modality of historiography.

Key Characteristics of the Chronicles

• Language: They opted for Catalan.
• Tone: Full of anecdotes, realistic reflections, and intimate emotions.
• Monarchical Involvement: The monarchs often intervened in the writing process.
• Style: They capture the expressiveness of contemporary oral records.

The Chronicle of Jaume I (The Book of Deeds)

This chronicle covers the period between 1244 and 1274, narrating the most important life events and deeds during his 63-year reign.

Structure and Content

1. Childhood and Youth.
2. Conquests and campaigns of Mallorca and Valencia.
3. Valencia versus the Saracens.
4. The last years of his reign.

Purpose and Style

• Purpose: Didactic aims, supporting the monarchy and religion, and witnessing the recognition obtained through God.
• Character and Sentiment: Providentialist, religious sentiment, narration of military facts, lively and popular language, and the use of the majestic plural ("We").

The Chronicle of Ramon Muntaner

This is the longest chronicle, covering five reigns.

Purpose and Characteristics

• Purpose: To glorify the kings of the House of Aragon, to leave a written record, and to provide evidence of his services and merits to the royal court.
• Characteristics: Monarchism, providentialism, and strong national sentiment.
• Language: Intended to be read aloud, often using direct address ("I will tell you that?").