Aragonesisme i conflicte Ordes/vassalls a les Comandes templeres i hospitaleres d'Ascó, Horta i Miravet (1250-1350)

Abstract

This article examines the situation of the Templar and (after 1317) Hospitaller encomiendas of Ascó, Horta and Miravet, in the Catalan territory of Ribera d'Ebre and Terra Alta, next to Lower Aragon, between the end of the thirteenth and the mid-fourteenth centuries. Traditionally, only the signs of Catalan or Aragonese influence in the encomiendas have been considered. In order to broaden the perspective, our interpretation deals with the conflict between popular communities and the Templan and Hospitallers. The communities wished to reduce the role of the latter in the administration of justice. The Orders wanted full control, while their vassals wanted appeals to go to the king. The first troubles occurred in the late thirteenth century, at the time of the Costums of Horta (1296). During this period, only the vassals and the Orders were involved, and conflicts were only verbal. From 1325, however, the situation became complicated by lengthy legal disputes, with both sides seeking royal support and the intervention of the Cortes of Aragon and Catalonia. The sharpening of positions ended with the War of the Union in the mid-fourteenth century, when encomienda settlers and Hospitallers fought against each other. The defeat of the Union and, consequently, of the vassals of the Hospital, led to a new balance of forces, which was exploited by the Order to increase its demands and reinforce its control.