Carestía y lucha política en Castilla durante el siglo XV

Abstract

1 Este artículo recoge resultados obtenidos en el proyecto de investigación ¿El poder de la comunidad?: lenguaje y prácticas políticas populares a fi nes de la Edad Media. (HAR 2011-30035), fi nanciado por el Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad del gobierno de España.Abreviaturas: Archivo General de Simancas. Registro General del Sello = AGS. RGS; Archivo Municipal de Sevilla. Papeles del Mayordomazgo = Mayordomazgo.Resumen: El siglo XV fue un periodo de crecimiento en la Corona de Castilla y sin embargo las carestías aparecieron de manera recurrente. Se analizan algunas de esas carestías para abordar el funcionamiento del mercado del grano y determinar los factores que inciden en el alza de precios. Un análisis comparado de la gravedad relativa de esas carestías demuestra que las más severas están relacionadas con factores de tipo político más que intrínsecamente productivos. El artículo analiza la dimensión confl ictiva de esas disposiciones políticas, ya que los agentes percibieron y denunciaron los mecanismos que operaban en el mercado del cereal. En determinados contextos, llegaron a proponer regulaciones adicionales e incluso a protagonizar revueltas contra quienes se benefi ciaban de la especulación en el mercado del grano.Palabras clave: carestía; mercado del grano; confl icto social; Corona de Castilla; siglo XV. Abstract:The fi fteenth century was a period of growth in the Crown of Castile and yet there were recurrent periods of dearth. Some of these episodes are examined in order to address the functions of the cereals market and determine the factors that contributed to a rise in prices. A comparative analysis of the relative importance of these shortages shows that the severest of them involved factors that were political in nature, rather than intrinsically related to production. This article analyzes the dimension of confl ict that surrounded these political regulations, since the actors were aware of the mechanisms that operated in the cereals market and condemned them. In certain contexts, they went as far as to propose additional regulations and even to lead revolts against those who profi ted from speculation in the grain market.

The Social Construction of the Soundscape of the Castilian Cities (15th and 16th Centuries)

“…The supply of bread was of vital importance in Castilian society since it was part of the diet of a large part of the population [55]; this product also produced the most significant periods of food shortage during the 15th century. In Rafael Oliva Herrer's opinion, the conflicts caused by the availability of wheat were not related to natural factors; on the contrary, they were linked to political decisions and the mechanisms of operation of the cereal market [56]. Consequently, the authorities made an effort to implement policies as to guarantee the people the availability of grains at reasonable prices, with the aim of ensuring social peace.…”