Medieval Spanish Kingdoms and the Reconquista History

The Rise of the Medieval Spanish Kingdoms

Ferdinand I, son of Sancho III of Navarre and the first king of Castile, joined the Kingdom of Leon in 1038, initiating the reunification of Leon and Castile, which was finalized in 1230. Portugal was part of the Kingdom of Leon until 1128. Around the year 1134, the Navarrese separated from Aragon and formed the 12th-century Kingdom of Pamplona. Later, King Sancho VI the Wise renamed Pamplona as Navarre. In 1137, the Crown of Aragon and Catalonia were united.

The Reconquista and Military Expansion

During the 13th century, the kingdoms of Castile, Portugal, and the Crown of Aragon conducted a reconquest. During the second half of the 12th century, the Kingdom of Castile and Leon faced the Almohads until the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa (1212), where Castile, Navarre, and Aragon joined forces and defeated them. During the 12th and 13th centuries, newly occupied territories and settlements saw significant economic activity.

Political Institutions of the Kingdoms

Castile, Navarre, and the Crown of Aragon were governed by three main institutions:

• The Monarchy
• The Parliament
• Local authorities

Economic Development in Castile and Aragon

The Castilian Economy

Most Castilian lands were dedicated to the cultivation of grain, wine, and oil. Much of the wool from Spain was exported to Bruges, and the Feria de Medina del Campo became a vital trade hub. In the 13th century, the Brotherhood of Marina de Castilla was founded to fend off competition.

The Aragonese Economy

The economy of the Crown of Aragon was based on agriculture and livestock, primarily sheep. Merchant boats exported textiles, oil, iron tools, and weapons.

Crisis and the Black Plague

The 12th and 13th centuries were periods of economic expansion, but the Black Plague of 1348 triggered an economic and social crisis. This crisis led to larger royal domains through concessions, which weakened the monarchy. Consequently, the nobility tightened conditions for peasants and imposed new taxes, leading to peasant riots.

Gothic Art and Architecture

Medieval art saw the emergence of two distinct styles:

• French Gothic: Characterized by height and ornamentation.
• Meridional Gothic: Dominant in the Mediterranean, emphasizing horizontal lines and decorative austerity.

Gothic sculpture was highly significant, and painting was noted for the art of the miniature.

Muslim Rule and the Conquest of Valencia

Between 713 and 714, Emir Abd al-Aziz took Valencia. The conquest occurred peacefully through treaties, such as the one signed with Theudimer. Most Christians converted to Islam (Muladi). Under Muslim rule, Valencian agriculture underwent great development. To resolve irrigation disputes, the Tribunal de las Aguas was established.