Officers and Social Promotion Strategies in the Lands of Isabel the Catholic (1470–1504)

Abstract

This paper analyzes the body of administrators responsible for governing and controlling the territories granted to Isabel of Castile pro Camera, as a matrimonial assignment for being the consort of the next king of Aragon. The study of these manors in Catalonia and Sicily demonstrates the existence of certain political programs to place the confidants of the monarchy in a strategic position. Their presence in the towns, administrated by the queen, ensured strict control over distant cities and seaports in addition to the appropriate collection of her incomes and emoluments. At the same time, Isabel used the administrative posts as a reward and promotion for the families of her inner circle. We consider different officers and families in order to understand how the interests of the monarchy were intertwined with the local ruling class and their courtiers.

Keywords

• Isabel the Catholic
• Late Middle Age
• Queen's Lands
• Sicily
• Catalonia.