The Reign of Theobald I and II in Navarre

The House of Champagne: Reign of Theobald I

Theobald I gained recognition from European monarchies, including Castile, England, and Aragón. As a just and righteous king, he secured diplomatic recognition through strategic foreign policy:

• Castile: Established a covenant with Ferdinand III the Saint and arranged the marriage of his daughter to Alfonso X the Wise in exchange for the devolution of Gipuzkoa.
• England: Agreed to a truce to ensure Navarre would not suffer damage to Gascony.

Internal Politics and Royal Authority

Theobald I faced a difficult relationship with his subjects due to his unfamiliarity with local language and customs. He held a concept of absolute authority derived from God, which clashed with the fueros (local charters) held by his subjects. He faced significant opposition from the nobility, known as ricoshombres.

The Charters of 1238

In the 1238 jurisdiction of Estella, the preamble of the charters acknowledged that the Highlanders were the original owners of the land who chose their own king. The constitutional role of the ricoshombres was to represent the people and uphold the charters, which were considered superior to the king.

Limitations of Royal Power

• The king must swear to uphold the jurisdictions before being crowned.
• He must govern with the ricoshombres, not strangers.
• He cannot administer justice, declare war, or make peace without the advice of the ricoshombres.

Administrative Organization

Theobald I organized the kingdom into four merindades, each chaired by a merino with broad powers: Mountains (Pamplona), Ribera (Tudela), Estella, and Sangüesa.

Cultural Contributions

Theobald I was a noted poet who wrote songs and established the Polyphonic School of Pamplona.

The Reign of Theobald II

Foreign Policy

Theobald II maintained peaceful relations with Castile, specifically with Alfonso X the Wise, who granted him San Sebastián and Hondarribia. He resolved border rivalries in Álava and Gipuzkoa, maintained a firm bond with James the Conqueror of Aragón, and participated in the Crusade of Tunis.

Internal Politics and Cultural Legacy

Due to his frequent absences in France, the king ruled Navarre through senescales. He was a great promoter of culture, establishing schools and the General Studies of Estella. His administration continued to uphold the limitations of royal power, ensuring that the ricoshombres remained central to governance and justice, while he continued to foster the Polyphonic School of Pamplona.