Nobility and Society in Late Medieval Castile. The Padilla Lineage in the 14th and 15th Centuries

The aim of this paper is to study the Padilla lineage during the 14th and 15th Centuries. Firstly, the trajectory of the lineage is analyzed during this period, considering the political role of the members of the main branch, the economic foundations of the family group and their nobiliary alliances. Secondly, the characteristic lineage symbols are studied: onomastics, heraldry, solar and mayorazgo. Thirdly, the career developed by segundones through the creation of collateral branches, or their entry in the Order of Calatrava, is also investigated. Finally, death is studied as a manifestation of power of the lineage.