Since ancient times, interest in genealogy has been evident. In cultures like the Greek and Roman, genealogies were crafted with great care, and documents such as the "Genealogies of Kings" became political and social tools. In the Iberian Peninsula, the roots of this practice can be traced back to the Reconquista, a period when noble families sought to establish their lineage to legitimize their rights to land and titles. In this context, the Spanish nobility began to compile documents that validated their ancestry, thus creating a rich repository of information that endures to this day.
Genealogical documents consist of a variety of sources, which can include birth, marriage, and death certificates, as well as wills, censuses, and notarial deeds. These documents not only provide information about individuals but also offer a window into the customs and social norms of the time. For example, in Golden Age Spain, it was common for noble families to maintain detailed records of their lineages. Many of these documents were meticulously crafted by heralds, who were responsible for documenting the nobility and their heraldic arms. Heraldry, characterized by its coats of arms and symbols, served not only as a visual identifier but also reflected the social status and history of the family.
One of the most emblematic documents...