The Beginnings of the Cortes of Leon-Castile

Abstract

THE origin and development of the Cortes of Le6n-Castile, while reflecting the unique conditions of life in the Iberian Peninsula, also exemplify a phenomenon characteristic of all of Western Europe during the High Middle Ages: the rise of representative institutions. In that sense, Spain, far from being an extension of Africa, was an integral part of Europe and a participant in a common European experience. Indeed, by the very appearance of townsmen in the Leonese royal council at a remarkably early date in the late twelfth century, Spain holds a special place in the history of medieval parliamentary government. Whereas parliaments and assemblies of estates were just beginning to function in England and France by the close of the thirteenth century, the Cortes had anticipated these developments by many years. In large measure the rise of the Cortes to prominence in the public life of Le6n-Castile is explained by the continual struggle against Islam and the concomitant task of colonizing reconquered lands. These circumstances strengthened the royal power and retarded the development of feudalism, while fostering the growth of municipalities directly dependent upon the crown. The emergence of the municipalities as significant factors in the military and administrative structure of the realm was a major reason for summoning townsmen to the council. In spite of current interest in the concept of representation and the growth of representative assemblies, the study of the medieval Cortes has been largely neglected.' The formative period in the history of the Cortes-the late