The Diplomatic and Political Relations between the Kingdoms of Aragon and Granada during the Reign of Pedro IV (737-789 AH / 1336-1387 AD)

Abstract

This study investigated the diplomatic relations between the Kingdoms of Granada and Aragon during the reign of King Pedro IV (737-789 AH / 1336-1387 AD). The study also explored the political conditions of the two Kingdoms, and how such political conditions contributed to the exchange of embassies and the conclusion of a number of treaties between them, such as the treaty of 745 AH / 1344 AD, the treaty of 759 AH / 1357 AD, the treaty of 768 AH / 1367 AD, and the treaty of 779 AH / 1377 AD. The study also analyzed the correspondence and terms of treaties between the two kingdoms. The diplomatic correspondence and treaties emphasized the depth of the relationships of friendship and affection between the two kingdoms, and also emphasized each party’s pursuit to preserve the security of its kingdom’s borders and its political, diplomatic and military relations. This consequently had some positive consequences, such as assuring the Kingdom of Granada that the Kingdom of Aragon would not attack its lands. Indeed, this will leave it with only the Kingdom of Castile as an enemy, which was seizing every opportunity to recover some lands from the Kingdom of Granada because she considers it her territory that must be redeemed. Therefore, the Kingdom of Granada gained an ally against the Kingdom of Castile who can support her occasionally. However, for various reasons, some of these treaties are violated by Aragon from time to time. The study has a reached a number of findings, most notably: The relations between the kingdoms of Aragon and Granada were not severed, but they were sometimes interrupted due to wars, which led to the signing of a number of peace treaties between the two parties; the expansion of diplomatic exchange between the two kingdoms to include embassies, with the aim of resolving some contentious issues between the two sides, such as piracy, prisoners, and sometimes military interests that required each party to support the other in their wars, especially with Castile. It also became clear that the treaties of peace and peaceful coexistence between Granada and Aragon were characterized by fluctuation because they were fragile and weak due to wars at times and peace at others. Other factors contributing to this fluctuation include the Sultans of Granada's commitment to uphold the will of peace in relations that are compatible with the interests of their state, as well as King Pedro IV's policy of pursuing Aragonese expansion through diplomacy and aid and assistance. Because of this policy, he was able to sign peace treaties with the Kingdom of Granada. Keywords: Treaties, Granada, Aragon, Diplomacy, Politics, Treaties, Pedro IV.