Medieval Iberian Christian Kingdoms: Formation & Society

Birth of Iberian Christian Kingdoms (8th-10th C.)

The Cantabrian and Pyrenees regions were the origin of new Christian kingdoms formed in the northern Iberian Peninsula between the 8th and 9th centuries.

The Kingdom of Asturias and León

The Kingdom of Asturias emerged in the first half of the 8th century. In 718, Visigoths elected Don Pelayo (Pelagius) as their king. This king confronted the Muslims in the Battle of Covadonga (722). The court was established in Oviedo. Its maximum expansion coincided with the reign of Afonso III (866-910). In the 10th century, the capital was moved to León, and it became known as the Kingdom of León.

The Rise of Castile

Castile was a border zone defending against Muslim incursions from the Ebro Valley. It was initially divided into counties, which were united under the authority of Count Fernán González. Castile became its own kingdom in 1035.

Kingdoms of the Pyrenees: Navarre and Aragon

In the Pyrenean region, Charlemagne founded the Hispanic March, a territory divided into counties with the mission of protecting his empire from Muslim advances. In the 9th century, Count Iñigo Arista of Pamplona expelled Frankish troops. From the 10th century, the Jimena dynasty ruled in Navarre. Its most brilliant period was the reign of Sancho III the Great. Later, the family of Count Aznar Galíndez achieved independence for the County of Aragon.

The Catalan Counties

In 874, Wilfred the Hairy reigned over the Catalan Counties.

Organization and Society in Christian Iberia

Regarding the organization of these Christian territories:

Political and Military Structures

In the Astur-Leonese kingdom, the king held maximum authority. A network of forts was constructed to defend the northwest. Warriors were linked to the king through vassalage. Parias (tributes) were payments made by Muslim kingdoms to avoid attacks.

Cultural Coexistence and Enrichment

Within the Christian kingdoms, three cultures coexisted: Islamic, Christian, and Jewish. This diversity fostered cultural enrichment.

Economic and Cultural Developments

The Crown of Castile: Economy

The Crown of Castile was formed from the union of Castile and León. Its economy was based on agriculture and livestock farming. The Mestas were assemblies of livestock owners who met to discuss matters related to their trade.

The Crown of Aragon: Expansion and Culture

In the Crown of Aragon, trade and crafts developed significantly. The Crown was created in the 12th century. In the same century, Alfonso I the Battler conquered lands in the Ebro Valley. From the 13th century, Mediterranean expansion became very important.

Trade and Maritime Law

The Consulates of the Sea (Consulats de Mar) were courts established for matters of navigation and commerce.

Architectural Styles

The Romanesque style appeared in Aragonese territories. The Crown of Aragon also experienced significant development of the Gothic style.