1244: King James I of Aragón Reports on the Capitulation of Xàtiva

Abstract

This article deals with the subjugation of the south-eastern Iberian city of Xàtiva by King James I of Aragón, which was legally confirmed after diplomatic negotiations in the spring of 641/1244. On the basis of the royal eyewitness account in the Llibre dels feits, as well as the surrender treaty concluded by both sides, this article examines how the Muslim ruling family of the Banū ʿĪsā and their advisors acted during the negotiations. In conclusion, the conquest of Xàtiva is contextualised by reference to the series of conquests that are usually subsumed under the term "Reconquista."