Alfonso X and the Classical world: Alexander the Great and ideology in Medieval Iberia

Abstract

This thesis proposes that Alfonso X of Castile used accounts of Alexander the Great’s life in the General Estoria to create a symbol, laden with the grandeur and authority of antiquity, for sociopolitical reform and unification within his kingdom in response to a series of political setbacks. This connection between the General Estoria’s Alexander and Alfonso’s ambitions is clearest in the Siete Partidas where Alfonso references Alexander and his teacher Aristotle to justify and give legitimacy to the legislation. These references in the Partidas are then reinforced by the complete account of Alexander’s life in the General Estoria, where Alexander’s image is curated by Alfonso to reflect the socio-legal prescriptions of the Partidas. Through unpacking the interplay between these two texts, Alfonso’s all-encompassing aspirations for reform in the kingdom of Castile are brought to light, which would reshape not just Castilian law or politics, but its identity and spiritual and intellectual life. Ultimately, this thesis demonstrates that Alexander was utilised by Alfonso X to generate renewed support for this program of reform, which had alienated powerful elements of Castilian society.