Footprints of Middle Ages Kingdoms Are Still Visible in the Contemporary Surname Structure of Spain
Fig 8
Political subdivision of Spain during the early and late Middle-Ages.
In (A) is reported the political geography of the second half of the 12nd century, (B) corresponds to 1492 CE. The timeframe matches to the origin of Spanish surnames. By comparing the two maps, the expansion of the reigns of Castilla and Aragón towards the southern territories ruled by Arabs is well visible (see arrows). This process is known as the reconquest (Reconquista). Please note that the reigns of Leon and Castilla, independent in (A), later merged (B). The reign of Navarra remained unchanged.