FINANCING A CAPTIVE'S RANSOM IN LATE MEDIEVAL ARAGON

Author: Rodriguez, Jarbel

Source: Medieval Encounters, Volume 9, Number 1, 2003 , pp. 164-181(18)

Publisher: BRILL

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Abstract:

Capture and Captivity were significant problems in the lands of the medieval Crown of Aragon, due to the ongoing struggle between Muslims and Christians in the Iberian Peninsula. This article addresses the question of how Christian captives and their families raised the large ransoms that were demanded for their release. The raising of a ransom often began with the captives or those acting on their behalf having to beg on the streets for the money. By the late fourteenth century, however, additional options had emerged to help those in need. Consequently, raising the money became a complex process whereby captives depended not only on their own resources and whatever they could beg for, but also whatever aid civic, ecclesiastical, and royal sources could provide.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/157006703322576574

Publication date: 2003-04-01