The university and the cortes in the construction of the kingdom of Portugal in medieval times

Abstract

ABSTRACT The university and the cortes were two pivotal institutions for state-building in medieval Portugal. By creating the studium generale, with ecclesiastical, King Denis (1279-1325) intended to broaden the education of ecclesiastics and lay people alike, particularly in civil and canon law, who, in turn, could serve the kingdom in favour of the ‘common good.’ The cortes undoubtedly profited from a body of law and learned men who maintained its judicial and bureaucratic system. This article surveys the complex issues that effected the university that were debated in the cortes. Specifically, the presentation of special chapters before the cortes of Lisbon in 1439 will be considered. This article therefore intends to highlight the inclusion of the university in the Portuguese medieval cortes, by surveying the general attitudes of society towards this institution of culture and knowledge and by analysing its petitions and complaints. The royal position on each issue brought to discussion is considered. The discourse of the cortes on the university finally reveals the relevance of the articulation of several competing powers for state-building in medieval Portugal.