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Bull “Super reges” of Pope Boniface VIII granting the kingdom of Sardinia and Corsica to King Jaume II of Aragon.

Date
1297
Archive
Archive of the Crown of Aragon
Document type
Textual
Reference code
ES.08019.ACA//ACA,CANCILLERÍA,Bulas,LEGAJO 21,núm.14
Link to the online document
Description

In 1297, Pope Boniface VIII issued the bull Super reges, by which he granted the kingdoms of Sardinia and Corsica as a fief to King James II of Aragon. This document marks the beginning of Sardinia’s link with the Crown of Aragon, a relationship that would last until 1700 and would consolidate the Catalan presence in the western Mediterranean. The papal infeudation not only legitimized territorial expansion, but also placed the Catalan-Aragonese monarchy as a key player in the balance of power between the papacy and the great European crowns. The bull is a testimony of medieval diplomacy, the strength of feudal law and the international projection of Catalonia. It is a fundamental piece to understand how the Crown of Aragon became a maritime and commercial power with a European and Mediterranean vocation.