Images of Royal Power in the Works of Alfonso X (I): ‘Rex Christianus’

Abstract

This paper presents the image of the rex christianus in the works produced in the court of Alfonso X and analyses the broad historiographical debate on the character of late medieval Castilian monarchy, considered by most authors as “secular”. The starting point are the main elements that characterize the royal sacredness, such as the use of symbolic objects of power, the royal pantheon , the thaumaturgic power attributed to the kings and especially the ceremonies of royal consecration (rex et sacerdos). In this connection, the divine origin of royal power and how that origin is treated in Alfonsine texts will be also analysed (rex Dei gratia). The king’s high status makes him enjoy the special protection provided by God and/or the Virgin Mary, both against diseases and his enemies (rex invictus). On the other way round, the king is expected to be the most virtuous of Christians, so that he can lead his people by example (rex imitabilis).