Castile

Castile ( ) is a historical region of Spain, which played a crucial role in the formation of the modern Spanish state. It was originally a county in the Kingdom of Asturias and later became a kingdom in its own right. Castile is known for its significant contributions to the Reconquista, the Spanish language, and the unification of Spain.

History

Early History

The origins of Castile can be traced back to the 9th century when it was a frontier county of the Kingdom of Asturias. The name "Castile" derives from the Latin word castella, meaning "land of castles," due to the numerous castles built in the region to defend against Moorish invasions.

Kingdom of Castile

In the 10th century, Castile gained independence from the Kingdom of Asturias and became a separate entity. It was later united with the Kingdom of León in 1037 under King Ferdinand I. The union of Castile and León marked the beginning of Castile's rise to prominence in the Iberian Peninsula.

Reconquista

Castile played a pivotal role in the Reconquista, the centuries-long campaign to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule. Notable figures such as El Cid became legendary heroes during this period. The capture of Toledo in 1085 was a significant milestone in the Reconquista.

Unification of Spain

The marriage of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon in 1469 led to the unification of Castile and Aragon, laying the foundation for the modern Spanish state. Their reign saw the completion of the Reconquista with the conquest of Granada in 1492 and the beginning of the Spanish Empire.

Modern Era

In 1833, the territorial division of Spain reorganized the country into provinces, effectively dissolving the historical region of Castile. However, the legacy of Castile remains influential in Spanish culture, language, and history.

Geography

Castile is traditionally divided into two regions: Old Castile (Castilla la Vieja) and New Castile (Castilla la Nueva). Old Castile includes the provinces of Burgos, Palencia, Valladolid, and others, while New Castile comprises the provinces of Madrid, Toledo, Cuenca, and others.

Culture

Castile is considered the heartland of the Spanish language, also known as Castilian. The region has a rich cultural heritage, including notable contributions to Spanish literature, architecture, and gastronomy.

Related Pages

• Kingdom of Asturias
• Kingdom of León
• Reconquista
• Isabella I of Castile
• Ferdinand II of Aragon
• Spanish Empire
• Old Castile
• New Castile

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