The mountain communities of the Vall de Ribes in the 16th-18th centuries and their medieval antecedents

Abstract

The Ribes Valley, mentioned in documents dating back to the ninth century and with reference to consuls from the thirteenth century on, underwent a particular development as a community. Freeing itself from individual noble ties at the end of the fourteenth century, the beginning of the fifteenth century saw it establish itself as a community and rise to a position of renown, this being due also to its strategic position on the border.
Its greatest privileges, of 1458, and the agreement with the Batllia General (royal treasury) in 1702 shaped its position with respect to the monarchy: the most important features were crown assistance (which undoubtedly constitutes a degree of dependence) and self-rule and management of home affairs (they were direct and useful lords of their region).
This management also involved control of natural resources, which revealed the Pyrenean identity: the development of its socio-political structures on four levels demonstrated close ties between communities —and on another level, houses— and the territory.
By studying the development of the legal corpus of these communities it becomes clear that they were both mature and powerful; particular behavioural features are also revealed, and it is noteworthy that certain policies have persisted up until the contemporary era.