ABSTRACT
The reign of Pedro the Ceremonious was one of the most decisive in the history of the Crown of Aragon. However, little is known of his first wife, Maria of Navarre. She was his consort during the difficult first few years of his reign, when he attempted to modify the succession policy and legitimize his firstborn daughter at a time when he still had a brother and two stepbrothers (from his father’s second marriage to Leonor of Castile). Maria played a crucial role first because she represented an important link to her kingdom of origin and second because she guaranteed the succession at a time when the legitimacy of King Pedro was under serious threat. This chapter assesses the political power she wielded at the Aragon court as well as her role as a patron.
