The Crown of Castile was a medieval and early modern state in the Iberian Peninsula that emerged in the 11th century from the Kingdom of Castile. Here is a detailed look at its history and significance:
The Crown of Castile was established following the unification of several smaller Christian kingdoms in the northern part of the Iberian Peninsula. The Kingdom of Castile itself was originally a county of the Kingdom of Leon before gaining independence in 1065 under Ferdinand I of Leon.
The Crown of Castile was a monarchy with a feudal system. The monarch was advised by the Cortes, a parliament composed of representatives from the nobility, the clergy, and the townspeople. This system allowed for some degree of representation in governance:
After the union with Aragon, the Crown of Castile as a distinct political entity began to fade, with its governance increasingly integrated into the emerging Spanish state:
The Crown of Castile played a crucial role in the formation of modern Spain. Its laws, language (Castilian Spanish), and culture significantly influenced the development of Spanish national identity. The legal system, particularly the Siete Partidas, shaped Spanish jurisprudence.