Reconquista and Repopulation of Spain in the 13th Century

Stage Three: The Thirteenth Century

By the end of the century, only the kingdom of Granada would remain. This first stage involved the navies that facilitated the conquest of Seville, the Balearic Islands, and the coast of Valencia. The Treaty of Tordehumos had a significant effect.

Reconquista (Extremadura, Guadalquivir Valley, and Murcia)

In Castile, the Reconquista was led by Ferdinand III and Alfonso X, marking the capitulation of the main cities of Extremadura, the Guadalquivir Valley, and Murcia. Portugal occupied the lower Guadiana Valley, Alentejo, and the Algarve.

Repopulation (Andalusia, Extremadura, and Murcia)

Repopulation was challenging due to the vast land and limited population. The land was divided into large estates (donadios) owned by the nobility and military orders, introducing a broad economy. Along the border with Granada, large estates were held by noble families and military orders. It was decided to keep the Muslim population and the allotment system. In Murcia, Andalusia, and Extremadura, vast estates emerged.

Royal councils were also formed in cities where Muslims were forced to leave. These councils attracted settlers to colonize new lands. Murcia was repopulated by Aragon and Castile. Noble lands were divided, forming large cattle-raising estates for military orders and the royal council.

Reconquista (Valencia and Islands)

James I conquered the Balearic Islands, Valencia, and Denia. Aragon also began its expansion throughout the Mediterranean.

Repopulation (Valencia and Islands)

The lands were divided into small plots. In Valencia, the Maestrazgo area and much of Castellón province were given to nobles and military orders. In the Valencian front, small lots were distributed between Catalans and Aragonese settlers. The Denia area to Biar respected the Muslim population, as it had been occupied by capitulation. Mallorca's repopulation was done through a partitioning system between the monarch and the Catalan aristocracy. Substantial emigration of Muslims to North Africa occurred. Ibiza, a major salt market, was given to military orders. In Menorca, Muslims were eliminated or reduced to slavery.

The Renewal of Murcia

In 1243, the emir of Murcia, facing instability and threats, signed the Pact of Alcaraz with Prince Alfonso. This pact delivered the kingdom's strongholds to the Spaniards, gave half of the kingdom's income, and committed military aid, promising not to open negotiations without Ferdinand III's consent. In return, Murcia received military protection against Granada and ensured respect for the institutions and religion of those who signed the pact. This is how the Muslim kingdom of Murcia was peacefully occupied.

Later, Ferdinand III and James I signed the Treaty of Almizra in 1244, dividing the area and placing the kingdom of Murcia under the Crown of Castile. During Alfonso X's reign, dissatisfaction and complaints about breaches of the covenants led to a Muslim uprising. As Castilian armies were engaged, Violante, Alfonso X's wife, requested her father's assistance. James I intervened, established 10,000 Aragonese colonists in Murcia for repopulation, and then returned the land to Castile. In the late 13th century, tensions between Aragon and Castile arose when James II decided to annex Murcia to his crown. The ensuing conflict was resolved with the Treaty of Elche in 1305, which adjusted the boundaries. As a result, the rural areas of Alicante and Vega Baja del Segura no longer belonged to Murcia.