The Aristocracy in Twelfth-Century León and Castile

An examination of the nature and role of the aristocracy in twelfth-century Spain.

Simon Barton (Author)

9780521894067, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 18 July 2002

388 pages, 6 maps 8 tables
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.2 cm, 0.57 kg

' … a sound and thorough book'. Journal of Ecclesiastical History

This volume examines the nature of aristocratic society in the Spanish kingdom of León and Castile in the twelfth century. Drawing on an extensive range of original sources, many of them unpublished, it highlights the unrivalled wealth, status and power enjoyed by some members of the aristocracy. It also explores the multifarious roles that lay magnates were expected to fulfil: as family protectors, landlords and judges; as courtiers, diplomats and military commanders; and, not least, as patrons of the church. The nobility of León and Castile experienced a number of important changes during this period. There are signs that a few great families began to develop an embryonic sense of lineage. The struggle for ascendancy with al-Andalus - Muslim Spain - also enabled some magnates to acquire influence far from their traditional centres of power, and the concept of crusade made itself felt in aristocratic circles. The book's Appendices include a unique biographical study of the counts of León and Castile and a selection of genealogical tables.

Preface
1. León and Castile in the twelfth century
2. Class, family and household
3. The lineaments of power
4. The nobility of the crown
5. A warrior aristocracy
6. Piety and patronage
Conclusion
Appendices
Bibliography.

Subject Areas: Early history: c 500 to c 1450/1500 [HBLC], European history [HBJD]