Political and Socioeconomic Structures of Medieval Castile and Aragon

Political Organization and Institutions

The political organizations of Castile and Aragon shared structural similarities, though their practical applications and operations differed significantly. In both kingdoms, the king held absolute power, theoretically limited only by divine law and the established legal frameworks of each realm. The monarch served as the chief executive and supreme justice, exercising authority through royal prerogatives known as regalías.

Key Governing Institutions

• Curia Regia: Composed of the king's relatives, nobles, officials, and judges.
• Royal Council: Evolved from the Curia Regia to serve as a permanent consultative body.
• The Courts (Cortes): Responsible for minting currency and swearing in royal heirs. In Aragon, this body gave rise to the Generalitat to oversee agreements.

Administrative Differences

Financial administration varied by region: in Castile, there was a separation between crown funds and kingdom finances, while in Aragon, the Diputación del General managed administration. Judicial and administrative functions were handled by ecclesiastical, royal, and manorial bodies, with the Chancery serving as the highest hearing organ in Castile. In Aragon, the Justicia—a noble chosen by the courts—acted as a vital check on royal centralism.

Demographic, Economic, and Political Crises

The late medieval period was marked by severe instability, primarily triggered by the Black Death, which decimated the European population.

Economic and Social Impact

The demographic collapse led to an agricultural crisis, as the abandonment of fields caused a sharp decline in crop production, with no significant recovery until the late 15th century. This economic strain intensified social tensions, as the nobility attempted to recover lost income, ultimately sparking peasant revolts in Catalonia.

Political Instability

Political turmoil defined the era:

• Castile: The reign of Pedro the Cruel, who sought to curb noble power, led to a civil war against his brother, Henry. Later, the succession struggle between Isabella the Catholic and Juana la Beltraneja culminated in the Battle of Toro.
• Aragon: The death of the King of Navarre left a power vacuum, leading to a succession war between Charles and his father, which was eventually inherited by Ferdinand.