Catholic Monarchs: The Impactful Year of 1479 and the Elevation of the Duchy of Medinaceli

The year 1479 not only marked a milestone in the history of Spain but also witnessed the elevation of the Duchy of Medinaceli, a moment that signified a monumental shift in the structure of noble power in the country. This decision, made by the Catholic Monarchs, Isabel I of Castile and Fernando II of Aragon, unleashed a series of intrigues and passions that reflect the grandeur and decline of the Spanish nobility of the time.

The Grandeur of Medinaceli: A County with History

Before 1479, Medinaceli was already a county of great prestige, founded in 1368. Its first count, Don Juan de la Cerda, played a crucial role in the early days of the Ducal House, establishing political and economic ties that would strengthen it over the centuries. The locality, located in the province of Soria, is known for its impressive historical heritage, which includes the castle of Medinaceli and the Roman bridge, symbols of its glorious past. However, the history of Medinaceli is marked not only by its grandeur but also by the internal conflicts and power struggles that plagued the nobility of the time.

The Decision of the Catholic Monarchs: A Duchy Born of Ambition

The elevation of Medinaceli to a Duchy in 1479 was a deeply political decision. Following the union of the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon, Isabel and Fernando sought to consolidate their power and eliminate potential adversaries. Medinaceli was granted to the Duke of Medinaceli, Don Luis de la Cerda, a noble loyal to the Crown, as a way to secure his support and simultaneously reward his loyalty. This move not only elevated the status of the House of Medinaceli but also turned it into a key player on the political chessboard of the time.