European Research Group Minorities in Medieval and Early Modern Spain (15th-17th centuries)

The European Research Group Minorities in Medieval and Early Modern Spain (15th-17th centuries) was born as a research unit of the Center for Hispanic Studies (Amiens) (CEHA-Université de Picardie Jules Verne) in 2009. Due to the interest raised by its scope and publications, it is now composed by scholars from 13 universities worldwide. The group´s research aim must be framed within the renovation of political, social, and economic studies of minorities in Hispanic Society during the 15th-18th centuries (Jews, Muslims, Moriscos, Protestants, American-Indians, etc.). We are interested in analyzing cultural productions (mainly in a written format) such as archival documents, literary works, normative texts, chronicles, historical tracts and to a lesser degree material remains. These sources have allowed us to map minority social groups and to study them as elements of rupture in medieval and early modern society. Castile´s growth since the end of the 15th century and beginning of the 16th century and its expansion to a new continent transformed this kingdom into the Spanish Empire and enlarged its frontiers towards Central Europe. This made us modify our initial research scope (centered exclusively around the Castilian Crown) and encompass American and Central European lands and minorities within them. In addition, we also included as part of our research the relationship of the Spanish Empire with other powers such as France, England, and Germany. The main themes related to cultural productions of minorities include: propaganda and political, social, and religious messages; protest and controversy; circulation and dissemination of texts and tracts on defense; attacks on minorities.

Members: Maria Filomena Lopes de Barros

Link: https://minoriasgrupoeuropeo.wordpress.com/