Pedro the Cruel of Castile 1350-1369 (The Medieval Mediterranean : Peoples, Economies and Cultures, 400-1453, Vol 6)

This work examines the reign of Pedro I of Castile (1350-1369), known as "The Cruel", one of the most notorious and misunderstood figures in the annals of peninsular history. This text analyzes Pedro's rule in light of social, political, diplomatic and economic conditions in mid-14th-century Castile. Using extant primary documentation from archival sources and findings of scholars from various fields, the book explores the historical basis for Pedro's reputation and the extent to which this reputation unfairly rests on the testimony of Pero Lopez de Ayala, the principal chronicler of the time. This text therefore attempts to provide fresh insights into various aspects of Pedro's reign, such as his political aims, relations with religious minorities, and fiscal policies.