IMC 2010: Sessions

During the final centuries of the Middle Ages, the attributes of lordship structures hold by a social elite lead us to a fractioned social and political reality. This situation happened in a complex state of superposition, disarrangement, and, at last, gathering of lords and bailiwicks. However, the study of that kind of structures usually begins with this fact: to run lordship functions and feudal rights required a constant mobility for the agents and servants at different steps of feudal powers. It would assure the viability of lordship over land and men. This session wants to suggest a discussion about some troubles derived from that natural travel requirements all around Hispanic lands and its impact areas. We intend to apprehend this process in a long duree period that overlooks nearly 4 centuries: from 13th century to the beginning of the 16th century: this multilateral analysis is intending to show how different compositions were tested in order to set up competent structures of mastership, that were able to cope with problems deduced from elements like diffuse lordship or situations of continuous political inconstancy and insecurity. This activity would flow into expansion and social reproduction for the nobility.