Castrofroila: la representación del poder central en la ribera del Cea (siglos X-XII)

Abstract

It is known that researchers, during last years, have focused on the role of castra and castles as subjects of power representation beyond their functions that traditionally have been given to them. The main attribute of the example we are going to display is its strong and continuous linkage between Castro Froila–Mayorga, a village in the River Cea shore, and Central Authority. We know the existence of this location through the documentary and archeological sources. Documents and material evidences show us the important political function which Castro Froila historically played, much more after the death of king Alfonso VII and his partition of the kingdom of Leon and Castile between his sons, a fact which did more lively the conflict between both kingdoms.

Sin descartar la diversidad de funciones tradicionalmente atribuidas a castros y castillos, en los últimos años se ha incidido sobre todo en su papel como centros de representación del poder. El ejemplo que aquí presentamos viene caracterizado por la fuerte y continua vinculación que se establece entre Castro Froila–Mayorga, en la ribera del Cea, y la autoridad central. A través de las fuentes documentales y arqueológicas sabemos de la existencia de este enclave y de la importante función política que desde él se ejerció, intensificada tras la división del reino a la muerte de Alfonso VII y el recrudecimiento del conflicto entre León y Castilla.