Kingdom of Aragon

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Medieval and early modern kingdom in the Iberian Peninsula

The Kingdom of Aragon ( ) was a medieval and early modern kingdom in the Iberian Peninsula, located in what is now modern-day Spain. It was established in 1035 and lasted until 1707 when it was absorbed into the Crown of Aragon and later the unified Kingdom of Spain.

History

The Kingdom of Aragon originated from the County of Aragon, which was a small Frankish feudal county in the central Pyrenees. In 1035, upon the death of Sancho III of Navarre, the county was elevated to a kingdom by his son, Ramiro I. The kingdom expanded significantly over the next few centuries through a series of conquests and dynastic marriages.

Expansion and Consolidation

During the 12th and 13th centuries, the Kingdom of Aragon expanded its territories by conquering lands from the Moors and through strategic marriages. The most notable expansion occurred under James I, who conquered the Balearic Islands and Valencia. The kingdom also formed a crucial part of the Reconquista, the Christian effort to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule.

Union with Catalonia

In 1137, the Kingdom of Aragon was united with the County of Barcelona through the marriage of Petronila of Aragon and Ramon Berenguer IV, Count of Barcelona. This union created the Crown of Aragon, a confederation of territories that included Aragon, Catalonia, and later other regions such as Valencia and the Balearic Islands.

Decline and Integration into Spain

The Kingdom of Aragon maintained a degree of autonomy within the Crown of Aragon until the early 18th century. The War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714) led to the Nueva Planta decrees issued by Philip V of Spain, which abolished the separate institutions of the Crown of Aragon and integrated its territories into a centralized Spanish state.

Culture and Society

The Kingdom of Aragon was known for its diverse culture, influenced by its various territories and the different peoples who lived there. The primary languages spoken were Aragonese, Catalan, and Latin. The kingdom was predominantly Roman Catholic, and the Roman Catholic Church played a significant role in its society and politics.

Legacy

The legacy of the Kingdom of Aragon is still evident in modern Spain, particularly in the autonomous community of Aragon. The historical and cultural heritage of the kingdom continues to be celebrated and studied.

Related Pages

• Crown of Aragon
• Reconquista
• James I of Aragon
• Petronila of Aragon
• Ramon Berenguer IV, Count of Barcelona
• Nueva Planta decrees
• Philip V of Spain

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