Political and Legal Documents That Changed History

Test your knowledge of historic political and legal documents: European parliamentary system, the birth of Brazil, and Christopher Columbus’ discovery of America.

Register of Convicts applications to marry (18th - 19th centuries)UNESCO Memory of the World

Importance of Historical Political and Legal Documents

Historical political and legal documents from around the world represent the very framework of societies, their evolution, and the priorities of governments during these times. Some of the most important moments in history have been recorded in such documents.

"Tumbo viejo" or cartulary of the Lugo Cathedral, page 4 (13th century) by Alfonso IX of León/Royal CouncilUNESCO Memory of the World

Decreta of Leon of 1188

The Decreta of León of 1188, also known as Cortes of León of 1188, is the oldest known written information regarding the European parliamentary system. It originated in Mediaeval Spain and was based on the celebration of a Royal Council (Curia Regia) during the reign of Alfonso IX of León (1188-1230).

"Tumbo viejo" or cartulary of the Lugo Cathedral, page 5 (13th century) by Alfonso IX of León/Royal CouncilUNESCO Memory of the World

These decrees were a model of government and administration within Spanish mediaeval institutions. It involved the common people in higher-level decision making, along with the king, church, and nobility. This happened for the first time through the elected representatives of towns and cities.

Capitulations of Admiral Don Cristóbal Colón or "de Santa Fe" (15th century) by King of AragonUNESCO Memory of the World

Santa Fe Capitulations

The Santa Fe Capitulations is a Royal Chancery document containing the capitulations Christopher Columbus signed with the monarchs Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile in Santa Fe de la Vega on  April 17th, 1492, a few months after the capture of Granada. 

LIFE Photo Collection

The Capitulations set the conditions for Columbus’ first voyage, leading to the discovery of America. It’s a unique document that represents all the Chancery Registers in the Archive of the Crown of Aragon regarding the culture, institutions, and proceedings of 15th century  Europe. 

Treaty Page 1 (15th century) by King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile and King John II of PortugalUNESCO Memory of the World

Treaty of Tordesillas

The Treaty of Tordesillas involved agreements between King Ferdinand II of Aragon, Queen Isabella I of Castile, and King John II of Portugal on June 7th, 1494 which establishing a new demarcation line between the two crowns, resulting in the birth of Brazil.

Treaty wax seal (15th century) by King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile and King John II of PortugalUNESCO Memory of the World

The Treaty, which enabled a modification of a demarcation line dividing the world between Spain and Portugal, is essential to understanding American history and economic and cultural relations between Europe and America. It allows the meeting of continents and civilizations separated by oceans.

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