Catalunya Imperial plans. Make a list of the conquered lands by Jaume I and the trade cities with Catalano-aragonese Crown and its political consequences. Explain briefly the commercial role of the city and mention the goods exported and imported by Barcelona.
Jaome el Conqueridor or James I the Conqueror was one of the most powerful Spanish kings and his policy eventually led to the expansion and leadership of Catalonia. Such lands as Valencia in the southwest and Balearic Islands in the south were added to the kingdom in the course of his regency. He also aimed at taking the northern lands with Languedoc, controlled Hafsid Tunis, took over the Hohenstaufen claims and organized joint action with the Mongols in the main parts of the Near East (Burns 36). Goods from Catalano-aragonese lands were exported to the towns, where royal officials could inspect the manifests and merchants had to import as much as they exported. The main routes for the trade were established in the directions of North Africa, Islands (Majorca, Sicily, Sardinia), Byzantium and overseas. Barcelona was the center of medieval trade, navigators and merchants. Such goods, as silk, twill, wool were imported into the city and such materials, as mastic, wood, hazel nuts, wine were the main items of export. However, Jaome I prohibited a number of different articles, such as domestic animals, grains, vegetables and other products.
How were the Saracens fighting against Franks and what role played Barcelona in this religious war from 8th to 10th centuries? Why is this area going to become the “Old Catalunya? Where are their geographical limits?
Saracens is the notion to define the Arabic tribes, Islamic groups, who lived in the medieval Spain. Princes, barons and other honored people, leading during the crusades, called themselves Franks and wanted to establish their authority in such countries as Syria or Greater Armenia, drive them out of the Muslim-controlled Jerusalem, so-called ‘Holly Land’ due to the rapid expansion of the Muslim reign. The battle Tours-Poitiers is the most famous conflict in 732 between two groups with different religious background, which resulted in the defeat of Saracens (Falk 89). In 800 the King of Franks Charlemagne took Barcelona and therefore, was granted a title of the “Holy Roman Emperor”. The entire region around Barcelona became a buffer zone between the Muslims and Frankish lands. Later, the count of Barcelona was able to found a Christian Kingdom, which was relatively independent from the Franks.
Explain the nature of “Liberties and laws” in 13th Century Barcelona.
The legal system of Barcelona in 13th century during the reign of James I was based on the privileges, customs and regulations, which were tightly connected to the political, social and administrative institutions. Private and personal interests of the rulers were the main factor in establishment of the law because they aimed to fix a single heir, father’s authority and patrimony. Although James I seemed to take a great care of education, establishing universities and schools, his primary reason was to provide himself with legal privileges and rights that could justify his political actions and operations.
Why Iron working guild in Barcelona was associated with the origin of Catalunya?
Guilds were the groups, association of the merchants, who were to control their craft in a particular town. The importance and significant role of these guilds can be proven by that fact, that the streets in the towns were named after the craftsmen. The establishment and rise in the development of the iron industry in Catalonia helped the region to recover significantly and eventually become a center of industrialization in Spain. It was very important for those lands to promote their products and intensify export and import of the country. It was the only possibility to start the industrialization process and after the production of iron sulfate in Catalonia collapsed, the economic progress immediately decreased.
6. Describe the political structure of “Corts Generals” and its committee.
Corts Generals was a legislature of Spain, which represented the parliament and consisted of two houses – Congress of Deputies and Senate. Its specific and unbalanced political structure during the medieval period can be explained by the domination of feudalism. The most influential feudal lords, chosen by the kings, were the members of this political organ and in such a way the kings could control the entire political system of the country. They were also able to call or dismiss the parliament at any time they needed and thus, such an organization was comfortable and satisfactory.
7. Who was General Patiño? Explain his role in Barcelona.
One of the most powerful and important figures in the Spanish history during 18th century was Jose Patiño, who managed to render the important services during the battle at the end of the War of the Spanish Succession, namely the Siege of Barcelona. He was at the position the First Secretary of State at that time and served as intendant of Extremadura. For the rest of his life he also was as prime minister in the country and conducted a lot of successful negotiations and contracts with England and other European countries.
8. Who was Prosper Verboom?
George Prosper Verboom was a famous military engineer in Spain of the 18th century and he was especially respected and beloved by the King Philip V due to his activity during the Nine Years’ War. In the War of Succession he commanded in the in defense of Antwerp and succeeded in his military projects and strategies. It is worth admitting, that he actively participated in the conquest of Barcelona, wisely planned and controlled the work of Ciudadela of Barcelona and organized a number of expeditions to recover Sardinia and Sicily.
Santa María del Mar Church. Why is that church a cultural symbol for Barcelona inhabitants? Give the answer using three architectonical elements within the church to explain it.
Santa Maria del Mar is a church built in 1329-1383 and is an example of the classical Gothic architecture in Spain. It was known to be “built by workers for workers” and therefore was a symbol, which united people and made them work together. It was a rare case, that people participated in the building of such monuments. The geometric composition as “ad quadratum” symbolized the light and holy spirit, present in the church. The keystones were built moving towards the main entrance. It symbolized the power and strength of the nation, when being united and supporting each other. The King Alfons on horseback showed their respect to the history and worshipping their kings. The plain style and strong construction separate this church from other Royal cathedrals and symbolize love and pride of the people of Catalonya.
Works cited
Burns, Robert. The Worlds of Alfonso the Learned and James the Conqueror: Intellect and
Force in the Middle Ages. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1985. Print.
Falk, Avner. Franks and Saracens: Reality and Fantasy in the Crusades. London: Karnac
Books Ltd, 2010. Print.
