Monarchy and Universities in the Hispanic kingdoms (13th-15th centuries): interventionism in their government and funding

Abstract

This paper studies the differences between the Crowns of Castile and Aragon in the relationship between monarchy and universities in the Late Middle Ages. In the case of the first Castilian universities, it nuances the excessive importance that historiography has granted to the monarchs in their foundation and instead stresses that the initiative came from bishops and cathedral chapters before being seconded by royalty. It also describes the changes in the royal intervention in university funding and protection. As regards the Crown of Aragon, it emphasises the role of the urban oligarchy in the municipal corporations in the creation of the universities, together with the king and the bishops. This was the reason for the importance of municipal funding despite the initial opposition in the 13th century to an institution with its own jurisdiction that was outside its control.

Keywords

• Castile and Aragon Kingdoms
• universities
• Royal funding
• interventionism
• Late Middle Ages