Castile, Aragon, and Portugal, 1250–1385

Contextual Background

During the 13th to 14th century, Spain was marked by the existence of numerous Christian kingdoms, warmed by Islam in the south, the most important being Castile, Aragon, and Portugal.
Reconquista was a significant drive in this period, aiming at the re-conquest of territories under Muslim control in the Iberian Peninsula.
The decade of the 1250s is considered a pivotal moment of the Reconquista, with the fall of Canal in 1248 and the subsequent territorial expansion of Castile under Alfonso X.

Key Events and Developments

Christian holdings in the Iberian peninsula expanded with the capture of Seville in 1248 by Ferdinand III of Castile.
Alfonso X established a court of cosmopolitan nature, becoming a patron of literacy and science. His law code, the “Siete Partidas” was an important part of Spanish legal system for centuries.
Aragon under James II, despite being smaller and less populated than Castile, acquired an extensive Mediterranean empire including the Balearic Islands and parts of Greece.
Sancho IV of Castile faced internal rebellions from his own family members. Despite its volatile political climate, his reign saw the creation of the first Spanish university.
Portugal asserted its identity as a kingdom under Denis I who encouraged agricultural growth and established the first Portuguese university.

Impact and Consequences

The resurgence of Christian rule during this period greatly influenced the cultural, political, and religious life of Spain. The growing power of these kingdoms eventually paved the way for the unification of Spain under Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile in the late 15th century.
The Reconquista led to drastic changes in societal structures with expelled Muslims and Jews being replaced by Christian settlers in the captured territories.
The period saw major developments in literature, science, and philosophy within these kingdoms. Alfonso X’s commitment to learning led to Toledo emerging as a major centre of translation and knowledge transfer from the Arabic world.

Key Figures

Alfonso X of Castile: Known as Alfonso the Wise, he was important for his patronage of arts, sciences and legal work.
Ferdinand III of Castile: His conquest of Seville was instrumental in reshaping control of the Iberian Peninsula.
James II of Aragon: Under his rule, Aragon acquired an ambitious Mediterranean empire amplifying its influence.
Sancho IV of Castile: Despite a turbulent reign, he contributed to academic advancement by founding Spain’s first university.
Denis I of Portugal: His reign fostered agriculture, trade and education within the Kingdom of Portugal.