Crown of Castile

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Crown of Castile

Official name	Crown of Castile
Common name	Crown of Castile
Motto
Anthem
Flag
Coat of arms
Capital	Toledo (1230–1561)
Largest city
Government	Monarchy
Legislature

The Crown of Castile (Spanish: Corona de Castilla ) was a composite monarchy that emerged in 1230 from the union of the Kingdom of León and the Kingdom of Castile. It played a crucial role in the history of Spain and was a significant political entity in the Iberian Peninsula until its dissolution in 1715.

History

The Crown of Castile was established when Ferdinand III inherited the thrones of León and Castile, uniting the two kingdoms. This union marked the beginning of a powerful and influential monarchy that would dominate the Iberian Peninsula for centuries.

During the Reconquista, the Crown of Castile expanded its territories by conquering lands from the Moors. Notable conquests included the capture of Seville in 1248 and the annexation of Granada in 1492, which marked the end of Muslim rule in Spain.

The Crown of Castile was also instrumental in the Age of Discovery. Under the reign of Isabella I and Ferdinand II, the Crown sponsored the voyages of Christopher Columbus, leading to the discovery of the New World and the establishment of the Spanish Empire.

Government and Administration

The Crown of Castile was a composite monarchy, meaning it was a union of several distinct territories, each with its own laws and institutions. The central government was based in Toledo until 1561, when it moved to Madrid.

The monarchy was the central authority, but local governance was carried out by various institutions, including the Cortes of Castile, which was the representative assembly. The Real Audiencia was the highest court, and the Council of Castile was the main advisory body to the monarch.

Economy

The economy of the Crown of Castile was primarily based on agriculture, with significant contributions from trade and industry. The region was known for its production of wool, which was a major export commodity. The discovery of the New World also brought immense wealth to the Crown through the influx of precious metals and other resources.

Culture

The Crown of Castile was a cultural hub during the Spanish Golden Age. It was home to many notable figures in literature, art, and science. The University of Salamanca, one of the oldest universities in Europe, was a center of learning and intellectual activity.

Decline and Dissolution

The Crown of Castile began to decline in the late 17th century due to economic difficulties, military defeats, and internal strife. The War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714) further weakened the monarchy. The Crown of Castile was officially dissolved in 1715 by the Nueva Planta decrees, which centralized the Spanish state under the Kingdom of Spain.

Related Pages

• Kingdom of León
• Kingdom of Castile
• Reconquista
• Isabella I of Castile
• Ferdinand II of Aragon
• Christopher Columbus
• Spanish Empire
• Nueva Planta decrees