The high Galician aristocracy and its strategies in power facing political and social changes during de Reign of Alfonso VII

Abstract

During the reign of Alfonso VII, Galicia assumes a marginal position in the kingdom. This secondary position is perceibed by the Galician aristocracy as a diminishment its political participation and its privileges. This paper analyzes the stragegies developed by the high Galician nobles of the twelfth century to continue to advance in the power, despite the political circumstances. In fact, the nobles will take advantage of the strategic position of Galicia which lies on the border of the Portuguese territory, while Portugal itself struggies to achieve autonomy, as a base to turn on their own political strategies. In this context, the Traba becomes the most powerful Galician family of the moment. Not surprisingly, its members will try to establish the strongest matrimonial aliances and they will be the only noble family capable to carry out loyalty changes that will allow them to enjoy political privileges on either side of the border with Portugal.