MUNICIPAL ROAD POLICY IN THE LATE MIDDLE AGES (1430-1530): THE CASE OF JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA

Abstract

In the late Middle Ages the roads of the Castilian cities were practically impassable by carts on most of traces. This was a great inconvenience to villages that prospered economically through commercial activities. The study of Jerez de la Frontera, has allowed us to analyze the different policies pursued by the council to try to alleviate these shortcomings. The absence of support from the Crown, let the impulse to these works in the hands of an ever weakening municipal treasury, neighborhood initiative, and socio-economic interests of the ruling elite, the biggest beneficiary of efficient communications.