The Propagandistic Character of the Works of Alfonso X

Abstract

This paper intends to share some general thoughts on the concept of propaganda and the problems related to its application to the medieval period, based on other studies dedicated to this subject not only in the Iberian area, but also on a wider context. In this connection, we shall analyse Alfonso X’s political project, which was mainly characterised by efforts for the unification of the language and the legal system of his domains, but was also closely linked to his imperial pretension, cultural enterprises and desire of continuing the work initiated by his father Fernando III. Finally, our intention is to examine the meaning of the expression “Alfonsine works” and, if we want these works to be considered as a potential instrument of royal propaganda, we shall also take into account their production, the extent of the king’s participation in their creation process and their possible forms of dissemination.