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).
Corral argues that the Crown of Aragon has been a victim of systematic distortion over the last two centuries. His primary goal is to place this union of kingdoms and counties back in its exact historical context. La Corona de Aragon-holaebook.pdf
: 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
In his provocative book, , Professor José Luis Corral challenges modern historical narratives, particularly those he views as manipulated for contemporary political agendas. 1. The Core Argument: History vs. Manipulation Unlike the more centralized Crown of Castile, Aragon
: Corral critiques terms like "Catalano-Aragonese Crown" or "Confederación Altoaragonesa," arguing these were never used historically and are modern inventions.
: 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 His primary goal is to place this union
: It controlled eastern Iberia, the Balearic Islands, Sicily, Corsica, Sardinia, Malta, Southern Italy, and even parts of Greece for a short period.