Vassalage Collection

Conquest of al-Andalus by Ferdinand the Saint
Siege of the city of Jaen by King Ferdinand III the Saint (1199/1201-1252). Muhammad I surrendered the city of Jaen to King Ferdinand, signing a treaty of vassalage with him

Soldiers of Acostamientos. Culveriner and crossbowman
Soldiers of Acostamientos. The Acostamiento was a salary granted by the king to his vassals under which they were obliged to serve him in war. Culveriner (left). Crossbowman (right). Engraving

Interview in Alcaniz of the King James I the Conqueror (1213 - 1276) with Hugo Forcalquer and Blasco of Aragon before the conquest of Valencia, 1232

Investiture of a knight. Miniature in the Codex of Metz, 1290

Manuscript on the Constitution of Barcelona, entitled Usatges of Barcelona, Catalonia costums

Ceremony of investiture of a Knight. Miniature of the 15th century of Tristan and Iseult Poem. Chateau de Chantilly. France

Act of vassalage. 11th century. Miniature. Ripoll Bible (also known as Farfa Bible). 11th century. Vatican Apostolic Library. Italy

Llibre Verd (Green Book). Book of Privileges of the City of Barcelona. Miniature. Copy iluminated by Arnau Penna in 1380. Oath of allegiance to the king. Municipal Archives of History. Barcelona

Coronation of Garci Ximenez (724 �758?)
Coronation of Garci Ximenez (724 � 758?). Considered, according to legend, the first king of Sobrarbe in the current Huesca, Aragon (Spain). Colored engraving

Usages of Catalonia. Catalan manuscript. 14th century

Delivery of gifts to a king. Detail of a miniature of the Bi
Delivery of gifts to a king. 11th century. Detail of a miniature of the Bible of St. Peter of Roda illustrated possibly before the year 1050 on the desktop of the monastery of Ripoll

Philippe VI (1293-1350) de Valois renders homage to Edward III (1312-77) of England
KW177745 Philippe VI (1293-1350) de Valois renders homage to Edward III (1312-77) of England but only as Duke of Aquitaine, from Histoire de France by Colart

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Vassalage, a system deeply rooted in medieval Europe, played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of the time. One notable example is the Conquest of al-Andalus by Ferdinand the Saint, where vassals pledged their loyalty to their lord and fought alongside him in battle. Soldiers of Acostamientos, armed with culverins and crossbows, stood as formidable warriors on the battlefield. The ceremony of investiture of a Knight was an esteemed event that symbolized loyalty and honor. It marked the moment when a knight swore allegiance to his lord and received his title. This act solidified their bond and commitment to protect one another. In an interview held in Alcaniz between King James I the Conqueror and Hugo Forcalquer, discussions revolved around vassalage's significance within society. The Usatges of Barcelona manuscript shed light on Catalonia's customs regarding this feudal practice. The Llibre Verd (Green Book), also known as the Book of Privileges for the City Of. . , documented various privileges granted by kings to cities under their rule. These privileges often reinforced vassalage relationships between monarchs and city-states. Coronations were grand affairs that showcased vassalage at its peak. Garci Ximenez's coronation exemplified this tradition as he knelt before his lord while being crowned king – a symbolic gesture representing submission and fealty. Even beyond national borders, acts of homage occurred between rulers from different realms. Philippe VI de Valois rendered homage to Edward III during their encounter – an acknowledgment that highlighted Edward III's position as Philip VI's liege lord. Delivery of gifts was yet another aspect tied closely to vassalage; it demonstrated respect towards one's superior or ruler. Miniatures depicting such scenes depicted nobles presenting lavish offerings to kings as tokens of loyalty. Throughout history, these instances illustrate how vassalage shaped the political and social fabric of medieval Europe.