The Story of Majorca and Minorca
1908
The Story of Majorca and Minorca
1908
Before there were travel guides to the Balearics, there was this book. Sir Clements R. Markham undertook to write the first condensed English-language history of Majorca and Minorca, islands whose story had long been buried in Catalan and Spanish chronicles inaccessible to most Anglophone readers. The narrative begins with the Islamic conquest of Iberia and traces the rise of Aragon as a crusading power determined to reclaim the Mediterranean. At its heart is the dramatic conquest of Majorca by King Jayme I, a figure part Crusader king, part Mediterranean conqueror, whose ambitions reshaped the region. Markham draws on primary sources the autobiography of Jayme I himself, the Chronicle of Muntaner, Zurita and others to construct a narrative that treats Aragonese and Sicilian events from a distinctly Majorcan point of view. Minorca receives its due as well, particularly the surprising chapters on British occupations and the island's use as a naval base. For the traveler walking the streets of Palma or the shores of Minorca, this book provides what few modern guides can: the weight of centuries, the names of battles fought on that very ground, and the forgotten figures who shaped these islands before tourism.
About The Story of Majorca and Minorca
Chapter Summaries
- 1
- Introduces the historical background of Aragon and Catalonia's rise to power, describes Jayme I's character and early life, and explains his decision to conquer the Balearic Islands from their Moorish rulers who had become increasingly piratical.
- 2
- Details the landing at Santa Ponza, the first battle against the Moors where the Moncadas were killed, and describes the Moorish city of Palma with its walls, gates, and remaining architectural features.
- 3
- Chronicles the siege of Palma, the final assault on December 31st, the capture of the Moorish Amír, and the subsequent conquest of the remaining Moorish strongholds in the caves of Arta.
Key Themes
- Chivalry and Honor
- The book celebrates the chivalrous ideals of medieval knights, particularly through figures like Prince Fernando and Jayme IV, who place honor above personal safety and devote their lives to noble causes even unto death.
- Justice vs. Tyranny
- A central theme contrasting just rulers like Jayme I and his descendants with tyrants like Pedro IV and Charles of Anjou, showing how legitimate authority differs from mere power.
- Loyalty and Betrayal
- The narrative explores various forms of loyalty - from Ramon Muntaner's devotion to his princes to the Majorcans' faithfulness to their kings - contrasted with betrayals by family members and political allies.
Characters
- Jayme I (the Conqueror)(protagonist)
- King of Aragon who conquered Majorca from the Moors in 1229. A tall, fair-haired, chivalrous ruler known for his military prowess and wise governance.
- Pedro III of Aragon(major)
- Son of Jayme I, became King of Aragon and took up Conradin's cause in Sicily. Known for his chivalrous adventure to Bordeaux and successful wars against papal forces.
- Jayme II of Majorca(major)
- Second son of Jayme I, became the first separate King of Majorca. A peaceful ruler who restored prosperity to the islands after years of conflict.
- Prince Fernando of Majorca(major)
- Third son of Jayme II, a chivalrous knight who fought in Sicily, Greece, and Spain. Father of the future Jayme III through his marriage to Isabel of Andria.
- Jayme III of Majorca(major)
- Last reigning King of Majorca, son of Prince Fernando. Unjustly deprived of his kingdom by Pedro IV of Aragon and killed at the Battle of Lluchmayor in 1349.
- Jayme IV(major)
- Last King of Majorca, son of Jayme III. Devoted his life to avenging his father's death, married Queen Juana of Naples, and was eventually poisoned by Pedro IV.
