With the union of the crowns of Castille and Aragon (1479), the use of Spanish gradually became more prestigious. Starting in the 16th century, Catalan literature experienced a decline, the language came under the influence of Spanish, and the urban and literary classes became bilingual.
When were Castille and Aragon united? After 1479, what language became more valued? When did Catalan literature begin a downward trend? What language began to supersede Catalan? At this time what classes became bilingual?