Economic and administrative management has been a fundamental pillar in the organization of any society throughout history. In the context of Spain, this management has not only been crucial for public administration but has also influenced the cultural, social, and political development of the country. The documents that support this management—contracts, accounting books, minutes, reports, and others—constitute a rich source of historical information that allows us to better understand how bureaucracy has evolved on the Iberian Peninsula.
The Roots of Public Administration in Spain
The history of public administration in Spain dates back to ancient times when the Iberian and Celtic peoples began to establish rudimentary forms of organization. However, it was during the Roman occupation (218 BC - 476 AD) that the foundations of a more structured administration were laid. The Romans introduced an administrative system that included the creation of documents for tax control, property management, and commercial relations. The "libri censuales" are a clear example, where the properties and tax obligations of citizens were recorded.
With the fall of the Roman Empire, the arrival of the Visigoths brought about a transformation in administration, although documentation became scarcer and less systematic. The Visigoths introduced the concept of "fiscality" and began to develop laws that regulated public life, such as the "Liber Iudiciorum," which compiled judicial and administrative norms and procedures.
The Middle Ages: Feudal Administration
The arrival of the Middle Ages brought with it a new model of social and economic organization: feudalism. During this period, economic management was restructured...