Chapter 2: The Age of Prosperity, and the Big Push South
Provence, a county in Southern France was ruled by the nephew of Ramon Berenguer IV. Provence had been having troubles with its neighbor Toulouse, as each country had been competing over control of the lands north of the Pyrenees mountains. The situation got worse in the winter of 1156-1157, when the Counts of Toulouse tried to incite rebellions in Provence. By February, Ramon Berenguer III of Provence was begging for his uncle’s help. The Count of Barcelona replied by sending aid, and the revolts were quickly crushed.
During this time, trade between the Almohads in Iberia and North Africa shifted. By the spring of 1157, the Andalucia region became the predominant center of trade in the area. Merchants from the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa began to trade there, making it a valuable location. In the autumn of 1158, Ramon Berenguer IV decided to devaluate the realm’s currency, bringing in large amounts of cash but greatly increasing inflation. This partially destabilized the kingdom, but due to this time of peace and prosperity, recovery was quick.
In January 1159, a great shipbuilding campaign began in Barcelona, producing 10 fine war galleys by April 1161. These ships were to be used by the King to establish Aragon’s presence in the Mediterranean Sea. A troubadour composed a song about the Great and Noble Ramon Berenguer of Barcelona, and by July 1161 it had been heard by many foreign rulers. This greatly increased his reputation. In the summer of 1162, the old Count Ramon Berenguer ordered the recruitment of 6000 new soldiers throughout the realm. It is unknown what his intentions were, because Ramon Berenguer IV, Prince of Aragon, and Count of Barcelona died on August 8, 1162. He was succeeded by his son, who ruled as Alfons II, the King of Aragon, and Count of Barcelona.
In October of 1162, the Muslims of Valencia revolted in response to missionary activity trying to convert them. While the rebellion was quickly crushed, many of Alfons II’s advisors suspected that the Almohads may have been behind the revolt. Furthermore, Portugal was occupying several Almohad provinces, and Aragon wanted to make sure that they got there fair share of the reconquista. War was declared the following August, and though Provence dishonored, all of Aragon’s other allies supported them. On September 27, 1164, Toledo was captured, and the Trade centers of Andalucia were secured by June 29, 1165. On August 26, the Almohads offered Toledo and Andalucia in exchange for peace, and Alfons II accepted. The next major stage of the reconquista had been completed.