Una riflessione sulla tenencia, elemento chiave nel rapporto politico tra Alfonso VII di Leon e Castiglia (1126-1157) e i suoi magnati

Abstract

In the Iberian Peninsula, as it is clear in other regions of Europe in the twelfth century, there was an aristocracy with important patrimonial basis, very dynamic and able to diversify their resources and strategies, extending its influence and interests in many regions. Therefore, its power was able to challenge the authority of the king. Given this reality, Alfonso VII of Leon and Castile tried to consolidate and strengthen the royal authority that had been undermined in the previous years and got back the potestas publica. Then he negotiated with the aristocracy, trying to include it in his political project, but checking and balancing the power it wielded. The best point to observe this policy is offered by the administrative system of the tenencias.