The Anti-Episcopal Rebellion in Santiago de Compostela, c. 1318-20

Date of Award

Spring 1-1-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

History

First Advisor

Freedman, Paul

Abstract

This dissertation examines the early fourteenth-century rebellion (1318-1320) in Santiago de Compostela against Archbishop Berengar of Landorra, placing it within the broader context of church-town conflicts in medieval Europe. Through a detailed analysis of primary sources, particularly the eyewitness account known as the Gesta Berengarii, I challenge traditional historiographical views that interpret the rebellion merely as evidence of Galicia's decline from its earlier prominence. Instead, I demonstrate how this conflict reflects the continued importance of Compostela as a political, economic, and religious center within both Iberian and European contexts.The study traces the evolution of tensions between the archbishops and townspeople of Compostela from the thirteenth century to the early fourteenth century, showing how disputes shifted from legalistic conflicts mediated by strong monarchs to violent confrontations during periods of weak royal authority. I argue that King Alfonso X of Castile-León deliberately pursued policies to weaken episcopal lordship, while later prelates developed dual strategies of providing service to the monarchy and creating horizontal networks with other bishops to maintain their authority, particularly during times of diminished royal power. The dissertation provides a comprehensive analysis of how Archbishop Berengar, despite being a foreign prelate unfamiliar with local language and customs, successfully defeated the rebellion by leveraging existing church institutions, networks of allies (particularly suffragan bishops), and material resources established by his predecessors. Rather than focusing solely on the violent suppression of the rebellion at Rocha Forte, I emphasize how Berengar's victory demonstrates the resilience of ecclesiastical institutions, which had developed to the point where even an outsider could effectively lead them. Through analysis of the Gesta Berengarii, I contend that this text served not merely as an apology for Berengar's actions, but as a portrayal of the ideal bishop who properly wielded both spiritual and temporal authority. The chronicle challenged royal attempts to restrict bishops to purely spiritual matters by presenting episcopal involvement in temporal affairs as essential to maintaining social order. I situate this narrative within both local traditions and broader European literary contexts about urban conflicts, crusades, and political violence. Finally, I connect Berengar's suppression of the rebellion to a broader program of ecclesiastical reform envisioned by both Berengar and Pope John XXII. I argue that the restoration of episcopal lordship in Compostela was seen as a prerequisite for implementing wider religious and institutional changes, similar to contemporary papal legations in Italy. The dissertation concludes by evaluating the mixed success of this reform agenda, noting that while Berengar restored episcopal lordship in Compostela and Lugo, the broader reforms were unevenly implemented, with greater success in regions less affected by church-town conflicts.

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