The Gold of the Medinaceli: How They Accumulated a Fortune that Rivaled the Crown
The story of the Medinaceli is a tale that glides between the brilliance of gold and the shadows of decline. This noble family, over the centuries, has woven a narrative of power and wealth that could rival that of the Spanish crown itself. From their origins in the 14th century to the splendor of their palaces, the Medinaceli have been key players in the history of Spain. But how did they manage to amass a fortune that dazzled kings and emperors? What secrets lie behind their greatness and eventual decline?
The Origins of the Fortune: From the Fields of Castilla to Political Power
The House of Medinaceli originated in the 14th century, with the figure of Don Pedro de la Cerda, who became the first Duke of Medinaceli. His initial position in the community of Castilla allowed him to establish strategic marital alliances that would later prove essential. As the family gained influence, their wealth also grew, thanks to agriculture and livestock farming. Documents like the "Catastro de Ensenada" from 1750 reveal that the Medinaceli owned vast expanses of land in the province of Soria, providing them with a steady income.
However, the great fortune of the Medinaceli was not limited to agriculture. During the Reconquista, their active participation in significant battles allowed them to acquire lands and properties confiscated from the Moors. The Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212, in which ancestors of the family participated, was a milestone that solidified their position in Spanish nobility. Through such conflicts, the Medinaceli managed to accumulate not only lands but also a considerable number of noble titles.
An Ostentatious Lifestyle: Palaces, Jewels, and Parties
The opulence of the Medinaceli did not cease with the accumulation of land...