Guide to visit the museum

Mediterranean expansion

With the annexation of the kingdoms of Mallorca and Valencia, conquered by James I in the 13th century, the kingdom of Aragón grows, though losing influence over Occitania. Until the 15th century it continues to widen its domains in Sicily, Sardinia and Naples, which helps to foster trade.

Between the 13th and 15th centuries, Catalan merchants compete for control of trade in the Western Mediterranean and have bases in Syria, Egypt and Northern Europe, with the support of consulates in the main ports. That spurs the growth of the cities, which are hives of trading and craft activity. Those good times are reflected in the building of palaces and Gothic churches such as Santa Maria del Mar. Their economic importance goes hand in hand with a growing political influence.

But in the mid 14th century there are a series of social and political crises. They are aggravated by the loss of the economic boom and the fall in population owing to the plague and poor harvests. 

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