The Idea of Spain in the Chronicle of Jaume I (c. 1270): Interregnal Rivalry, Culture and Geo-Politics in the Crown of Aragon
Alexander Ibarz
The Idea of Spain in the Chronicle Jaume I (c. 1270):Interregnal Rivalry, Culture and Geo-Politics Crown Aragon Alexander Ibarz Medieval Catalan Identity Nationhood From time that Catalonia became associated with dominions counts Barcelona ninth century, Catalans seem to have become more aware their identification as a people, particularly under reign Guifré (the Hairy: 878-897) -the last count receive his commission from Frankish king- even though, Bisson indicates, neither nor successors ever controlled all counties formed later on ("L'essor de la Catalogne" 456).1 By thirteenth when [End Page 79] had kings Aragon's dynastic federation merged realms single ruler, be already set apart questions strict feudal homage. Flocel Sabaté writes separate identity which monarchy acted bonding agent those counties: "ja no [en] unes línies gestació sinó d'aprofundiment" ... "l'enfortiment del poder sobirà és un gran factor cohesió. se sent rei d'una Catalunya que comprèn comtats encara li han jurat fidelitat" (276, 278). Some historians assume this sense nationhood was strengthened by survival public law administration into eleventh continuity potestas regia inherited old Carolingian Spanish March (Bonnassie 374). This process consolidation did not happen suddenly, it is beyond grasp pinpoint its emergence. Rather, part sensitive prolonged negotiation renegotiation Catalonia's neighbouring kingdoms whom shared geographical political space. language is, goes without saying, key region's identity. Two features decisive recognising turning point emergence vehicle for national literature.2 first thirteenth-century break Occitania; second closer involvement -within Aragon- peninsular politics. These two geopolitical factors explain at least writing Jaume's Crònica or Llibre fets-in Catalan, an autobiographical account long (1213-1276).3 linguistic shift, 80] well known linguists, coincides movement away Occitania toward (Cingolani, La memòria dels reis 85). In cultivating vernacular, also paralleled European movement, Alfonso X's Crónica general (1270) French translation Matthew Vendôme's Historia regum francorum (1274) testify.4 longer sermo vulgaris. Or rather, since debt orality strong, represents perhaps early phase new koiné, literary standard Literatursprache.5 course spring up suddenly ex nihilo but was, one assumes, grounded vernacular culture developed troubadour movement.6 1320s, some fifty years after finished, Ramon Muntaner, looking back reign, reports "finest Catalan" ("pus bell catalanesc") -spoken pages Loria Lancia retinue Constance Hohenstaufen, Sicilian princess married son Pere II- compiled "de cascun lloc" thereby "pus perfet" (44). thus been consolidated terms independent wider Occitan Sprachgebiet (Koll 141).7 It seems significant then loss between defeat Muret 1213 final renunciation Barcelona's claims Corbeil 1258 establishment capable engaging own past present. so doing boundaries were being redefined. 81] contribution present study question limited to...
La corónica: A Journal of Medieval Hispanic Languages, Literatures, and Cultures