The House of Trastámara was a dynasty that ruled over several kingdoms in the Iberian Peninsula during the Late Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The dynasty originated in Castile but its influence spread to Aragon, Navarre, and eventually, through marriage alliances, to Sicily and Naples. Here are some key points about this dynastic house:
Origin
Expansion and Rule
- Castile: After Henry II's usurpation, the Trastámara family established a firm grip on Castile, with subsequent rulers like John I and Henry III continuing the lineage.
- Aragon: Through marriage alliances, the Trastámara influence extended to Aragon. Ferdinand I of Aragon was the first Trastámara ruler of Aragon, marrying Eleanor of Albuquerque in 1393, which unified the crowns of Aragon and Castile under the same family.
- Navarre: The Trastámara also had connections with Navarre through marriages, notably with John II of Aragon who became King of Navarre through his marriage to Blanche I of Navarre.
Notable Figures
End of the Dynasty
Legacy
- The House of Trastámara significantly contributed to the unification of Spain. Their policies and marriages set the stage for the Reconquista's completion and the subsequent expulsion of the Moors from Spain.
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