Filipe I of Castile Part 1
KING FILIPE I OF CASTILLE PART 1
NOTE: For this ruler I did 'cheat' to create some of the negative events that will occur. That's not really cheating though is it?
In the 15th Century the Iberian peninsula was divided into four nations. Castille was the largest and richest of the states, occupying the central position. To the east was Aragon, a Catalan Kingdom with long ties to the Mediterranean. To the west was Portugal, a sea-faring nation of considerable wealth and tradition. Finally to the south was Granada, the last remnant of the Muslim realm of Al-Andalus. It was a vassal and enforced ally of Castille.
Enrique III had been King for more than thirty years in 1410. In this time he had fought a successful war with Aragon over Navarre and captured it, along with Valencia and other lands on the coast. However, the King was a sick and ill man, and when he died (having surprised many with his longevity) he left only one successor; Filipe.
Filipe was the nephew of the King, and had grown up seemingly normal. However, his tutors later identified certain ‘signs’ that not all was as it should be. While he had proved himself very mature for his age, and very skilled in fight training, he was also reserved, uncharismatic and borderline sociopathic.
Of course, all this was brought up later. At the time, the seventeen year old man seemed to be the ideal choice. He had the support of the nobles, Castille was at peace, and the land was stable.
(Voice log of Captain Talena Mazari, 14100912.)
I stopped just outside Burgos today. The translator’s acting up a bit, but it’s working enough for me to pick up some words of the local language. At least I know enough French to make myself somewhat understood to some people. I’ve not been using the voice log much either as I’m worried this will run out of batteries. Not much interesting happening anyway. I crossed the border into Castille and took the old Roman highway down through Navarre and into Old Castille.
Listen to me...I sound like a damn travel guide. I had some gold left that the King paid me, and the peasants here don’t mind I’m a woman. Well, honestly, most of them are looking at the ground most of the time. There are a lot of soldiers around, and I got lodgings at a villa owned by an old man. He was nice enough, and let me stay for a small sum.
Today I heard from the old man – who speaks a little French, that a new King has been crowned. I’ve got no great incentive to go offer myself up to this one though. I think I’ll just stay here for a while. I’m getting used to the idea that I’ll be here for a long time. I guess I should be happy about that. Eh....
Unrest amongst the people, especially in outlying areas, was a constant problem for rulers to face. Shortly after he took the crown, the new King had to contend with a serious rebellion in two provinces. These were put down rapidly enough, but it was the method which the King ordered it done that caused the most problems. Rebellions and civil wars involved brutality, it was true, but as the King rode with his army he had anyone who ‘looked like a traitor’ executed on the spot. The rebellions soon collapsed, and the King was hailed as a hero.
The King’s choice of ministers did not inspire great confidence either. Many of them were mercenaries or cronies of the King and his family. What was needed to administer Castille at this time, especially with newly occupied lands, was steady management. What happened instead was that the King’s court was filled with corrupt men given too much power. They taxed at will and used the King’s name to fight any opposition.
(Voice log of Captain Talena Mazari, 14101015.)
It’s like fate wants me to get involved! I was really enjoying the little villa, with the trees and such, and the old guy didn’t charge me to stay if I helped keep the place in order. It turns out he’s distantly related to the old King, but nothing important. He doesn’t even have a title.
I went down into town today to buy some supplies and I saw a bunch of thugs bullying a merchant. What was I supposed to do? I couldn’t just let it happen. Of course, there were three of them, but I had the advantage of surprise. It wasn’t easy, but they weren’t very good, and took off after I’d knocked down the leader. The townsfolk were obviously happy, but they feared what would happen too.
But I was heading back when a horseman came up behind me with escort. I thought I’d have to use the gun, but he was polite. He said that his name was Valeriano, Duke of Badahoz, and that he would offer me protection. I agreed, and said goodbye to the old man at the villa.
In something of a controversy, King Filipe had married the Aragonese Princess Ramona, daughter of the King of Aragon a few months before he ascended the throne. She was still young, and there were reports that the new Queen was kept locked up in her tower, and that she suffered physical and mental abuse from her new husband. However, she soon became pregnant, and shortly afterwards she gave birth to a daughter, Juana. However, tragedy struck soon afterwards when both mother and child died unexpectedly. At the time it was put down to post birth problems, but ugly rumours spoke of the King killing them in a mad rage. The King of Aragon was most displeased when he learned that his daughter was dead, as well as his grandchild....