Discover the Latifundia of Medinaceli: A Territorial Empire that Spanned Half of Spain

The latifundia of Medinaceli are a fascinating reflection of the grandeur and decline of the Ducal House that sustained them. This territorial empire, which at its peak encompassed vast stretches of land in the Iberian Peninsula, is a story of power, ruin, palace intrigues, and secrets that have endured through the centuries. Since its founding in 1368 to the present day, the Medinaceli lineage has been a crucial player in Spanish history, leaving an indelible mark on the aristocracy and social landscape of the country.

The Foundation of an Empire: The Origins of the Ducal House of Medinaceli

The Ducal House of Medinaceli was first granted in 1368 to Don Martín de Aragón, a nobleman with a keen sense of politics and warfare. The creation of this duchy was, in itself, a power intrigue that consolidated the family's wealth and influence in Castile. The Duchy, located in the town of Medinaceli, in the province of Soria, became a nerve center where economic and political interests converged.

During the 15th and 16th centuries, the House of Medinaceli expanded rapidly. With the acquisition of latifundia throughout Spain, from Andalusia to Aragon, their territorial extent reached truly impressive proportions. Through strategic marriages and alliances with other noble houses, the family accumulated properties that represented thousands of hectares of fertile land rich in resources, becoming one of the largest landowners in the peninsula.

The Rise of the Latifundia: Where Did the Power of Medinaceli Extend?

The latifundia of Medinaceli were not just stretches of land but true agricultural empires. Historical documents reveal that by the late 16th century, the House...