Water. Object of desire and source of conflict in Castile in the late Middle Ages

Abstract

To the medieval mind, water was a prized asset and one highly sought after both for the personal use to which it could be put and for the benefits it afforded vis-à-vis enhancing the reputation of those able to enjoy it. As a result, late Middle Age Castilian society strove not only to secure itself a supply of water for its survival but also to enhance its prestige. This led to the emergence of conflicting interests surrounding water, sparking clashes involving those in authority, cities, and private citizens. The present article explores these issues in the context of lower medieval Castilian urban society, focusing on the reasons underlying the social rivalry concerning water and the measures taken to stave off such conflict.