Crown of Aragon rule in the Maltese Islands after War of Sicilian Vespers.
| Governance | Medieval Mediterranean |
Updated By: History Editorial Network (HEN)
Published:
5 min read
The Maltese archipelago transitioned under the governance of the Crown of Aragon following the War of the Sicilian Vespers. This period marked a significant geopolitical shift in the central Mediterranean region.
Before this change, the islands had been part of various dominions, reflecting their strategic importance. The War of the Sicilian Vespers was a large-scale conflict primarily involving the Kingdom of Sicily and the Angevin King Charles I of Anjou. The insurrection against the Angevin rule began on the island of Sicily and rapidly expanded, impacting surrounding regions, including Malta.
The upheaval resulted in Peter III of Aragon asserting control over Sicily and its dependencies, including Malta. This new Aragonese rule was distinguished by a distinct administrative approach compared to the former Angevin rulers. The Maltese people experienced changes in governance that included different legal frameworks and tax policies introduced by the Aragonese authorities.
Economically, the Aragonese period saw various developments influenced by broader Mediterranean trade. The islands' involvement in maritime activities continued, capitalizing on their location. Social structures, heavily influenced by feudal systems, began to evolve under the new rule, as the Aragonese monarchy sought to integrate Malta more closely into its empire.
The transition also marked changes in diplomatic and military strategies in the region. The Crown of Aragon utilized Malta for its maritime campaigns and as a logistical base, influencing the local dynamics and integrating the islands within its broader political strategies.
Over time, the Maltese islands emerged as an important point within the Aragonese territories. This period also laid foundational aspects of Malta's later historical developments, as the archipelago continued to be a focal point in Mediterranean power struggles.
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Primary Reference: Kingdom of Sicily - Wikipedia

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