Unlike the more centralized Crown of Castile, Aragon operated on a "pactist" system.
At its zenith in the 14th and 15th centuries, the Crown was a true thalassocracy (maritime empire). La Corona de Aragon-holaebook.pdf
: It controlled eastern Iberia, the Balearic Islands, Sicily, Corsica, Sardinia, Malta, Southern Italy, and even parts of Greece for a short period. Unlike the more centralized Crown of Castile, Aragon
: This expansion was often fueled by the legendary Almogavars , elite mercenaries whose military prowess established Aragonese influence across the Mediterranean. : This expansion was often fueled by the
: The Crown pioneered international maritime standards with the Llibre del Consolat del Mar (Book of the Consulate of the Sea), one of the oldest compilations of maritime laws in the world. 3. The "Pactist" Monarchy
: Corral critiques terms like "Catalano-Aragonese Crown" or "Confederación Altoaragonesa," arguing these were never used historically and are modern inventions.
: He emphasizes that the Crown originated in 1137 with the betrothal of Queen Petronila of Aragon and Count Ramon Berenguer IV of Barcelona . While the dynasty was shared, the "Crown" took its name and primary status from the Kingdom of Aragon . 2. A Mediterranean Empire