Political power in the Kingdom of Valencia during the 14th century. Breakdown or development?

Abstract

The 14th century has traditionally been considered a century of crisis, unrest and political breakdown around Europe, given the preponderance of wars, civil clashes and skirmishes with external enemies. In the Kingdom of Valencia, too, we can find these constant struggles for land and power, yet at the same time, just like all over Europe, we can also witness the gradual growth of the institutions of administration, governance and justice spearheaded by the Crown and the different political actors. Indeed, this process of political development did not preclude violence, but it did establish the foundations of a powerful institutional system which gained ground throughout the 15th century.

Tradicionalment s’ha considerat el segle xiv com una centúria de crisi, desordre i descomposició política a escala europea, atesa la preponderància de les guerres i els enfrontaments civils o contra enemics externs. Al regne de València, en efecte, també es comprova aquella presència constant de les lluites pel territori i pel poder, però alhora, com també arreu d’Europa, es pot observar un progressiu creixement de les institucions d’administració, govern i justícia impulsades per la Corona i pels diversos actors polítics. De fet, aquest procés de desenvolupament polític no evità la violència, però establí les bases del poderós entramat institucional que es consolidà al llarg del segle xv.