ABSTRACT
Inspired in part by gender and authority discourses and by their own politics, the chroniclers communicate a surprising range of opinion, revealing a vigorous debate about gender roles. Yet the novelty of their joint rule and images of romantic devotion have obscured a close examination of how they exercised their shared sovereignty. The important issue of shared sovereignty was thrown into sharp relief in December of 1474 when Isabella's half-brother died, leaving the throne of Castile contested. Henry, as the direct male heir of his and Isabella's father, John II of Castile, had continued the Trastamara dynasty's hold on the Castilian throne. The administration of justice is particularly noteworthy in this context since it was at the center of the controversy surrounding the use of the sword. The marriage of Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon in 1469 created an unusual system of royal government, forging what might be called a "companionate monarchy".
