In 1475, the husband of Queen Isabella of Castile, Ferdinand of Aragon, failed in his attempt to recover Toro, captured by Alfonso V of Portugal. This episode in the war between Isabella and her niece Joanna for the throne of Castile gives rise to an unexpected narrative in Juan de Flores’ Crónica incompleta de los Reyes Católicos: over several pages, the author introduces a lively debate between Isabella and her husband about the decision taken by Ferdinand to retreat rather than do combat with the troops of the King of Portugal. Study of this passage opens new perspectives on the role of women in Castilian political society in the late Middle Ages, their legitimacy as regards exercising power and their involvement in military activities.

Biographical note:
Daniel Baloup is Professor of Medieval History at Université Toulouse – Jean Jaurès. His research focuses on the ideological and anthropological aspects of warfare in the Castilian Crown between the 13th and 15th centuries.