Treaty of Granada (October 29, 1500)

The Treaty of Granada was signed on October 29, 1500, between Louis XII of France and Ferdinand II of Aragon. This agreement outlined a pact between the two monarchs to partition the Kingdom of Naples, a highly contested territory in Italy during this period.

Context and Background

By the late 15th century, the Kingdom of Naples had become a focal point of power struggles among European powers due to its strategic location and economic wealth. France, under King Charles VIII, had previously attempted to assert control over Naples but faced resistance and ultimately withdrew. Louis XII, his successor, renewed these ambitions. Meanwhile, Ferdinand II of Aragon was keen to expand Spanish influence in Italy.

Terms of the Treaty

The Treaty of Granada specified that:

• France and Spain would jointly invade and conquer the Kingdom of Naples.
• The kingdom would then be divided between the two, with Louis XII receiving the north, which included the territories of the Abruzzi and Campania, and Ferdinand II acquiring the south, encompassing Calabria and Apulia.
• The division was intended to stabilize the region and allow both nations to counter any challenges to their respective territories.

Aftermath and Historical Significance

The initial cooperation between France and Spain was short-lived. Disputes over the exact boundaries and governance erupted soon after the successful conquest, leading to conflicts known as the Italian Wars. These tensions worsened diplomatic relations and set the stage for later conflicts between France and Spain over Naples and broader dominions in Italy.

The Treaty of Granada is significant as it exemplifies the complex alliances and rivalries of the period. The partition of Naples highlighted the political machinations in Renaissance Europe, where shifting alliances were common, and territorial gains were pursued aggressively. This treaty also foreshadowed the resistance to what would become ongoing French efforts to dominate the Italian Peninsula during the Italian Wars, which played a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of Europe in the early modern period.