Abstract
This article explores the relationship of the discourse of secrets and courtly politics during Alfonso X's rule in Castile and Leon (1252–1284). This piece argues that Alfonso's imperial aspirations may be the key to better understand the reasons encouraging the complilation of the Liber Razielis at the Alfonsine court. In this work, we can find three main elements that were useful to legitimize Alfonso's project: the discourse of secrets and its relationship to the royal institution, the identification between the wise Solomon and Alfonso, and, finally, the use of natural philosophy as a means to portray the figure of the eagle as a defining element of the empire. Finally, this essay concludes that the figure of the eagle and the strategic meaning of Solomon also appear in several later works of the Alfonsine corpus in similar political terms.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
