Catholic Monarchs: The Elevation of the County to the Duchy of Medinaceli in 1479

In the turbulent landscape of 15th-century Spain, where power and influence intertwined in a web of alliances and betrayals, one event marked a milestone in the history of the Spanish nobility: the elevation of the County of Medinaceli to a Duchy in 1479 by the Catholic Monarchs. This act not only transformed the fortunes of the Ducal House of Medinaceli but also resonated within the political and social intrigues of the time, revealing palace secrets and hidden tensions.

The history of this duchy, which dates back to its creation in 1368, is laden with grandeur and decline, reflecting the struggle for power in a country heading toward unification under the rule of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon. This article will unravel the secrets behind this elevation and how it affected the Ducal House of Medinaceli, one of the most influential families of its time.

A Historical Context: The Ducal House of Medinaceli

The Ducal House of Medinaceli was founded by Don Juan de la Cerda in 1368, initially serving as a county that quickly solidified as one of the most important noble titles in Castile. Located in the province of Soria, Medinaceli became the center of a vast estate encompassing various lands and lordships. The family distinguished itself through its loyalty to the Crown and its involvement in the kingdom's politics, which was not always a straightforward path.

The Catholic Monarchs sought to consolidate their power in a fragmented country beset by internal and external conflicts. In this context, elevating the Duchy of Medinaceli not only represented a reward for the loyal services of the House of la Cerda but also served as a strategy to ensure the stability of their kingdom. Historical documents reveal that on March 19, 1479, the Catholic Monarchs signed