The Historian's Notebook

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan sent Gerau Vullats as a 'talking telegram' to Gaston Febus, in pursuit of a criminal.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e42-feb4Today's Document:Subject: Joan sends Gerau Vullats in pursuit of a criminalDate: February 4, 1387Day of the Week: MondayLanguage: CatalanArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1751 f11rLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: JoanRecipient: Gaston FebusMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant sent a 'talking telegram' in the form of Gerau Vullats to her friend Charles III of Navarre.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e41-feb3Today's Document:Subject: Violant sends a messenger to NavarreDate: February 3, 1387Day of the Week: SundayLanguage: CatalanArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1819 f78vLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: ViolantRecipient: Charles III of NavarreMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan recommended Arnaldo Torrelles to the Bishop of Tortosa.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e40-feb2Today's Document:Subject: Recommendation for Arnaldo TorrellesDate: February 2, 1387Day of the Week: SaturdayLanguage: LatinArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1923 f19v-20rLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: JoanRecipients: Bishop of TortosaMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan authorized a personnel change at Perpignan Castle.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e39-feb1Today's Document:Subject: governance of Perpignan CastleDate: February 1, 1387Day of the Week: FridayLanguage: LatinArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1912 f96vLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: JoanRecipients: Johan del MoliMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant informed the Queen of Navarre of the death of Pere the Ceremonious.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e38-jan31Today's Document:Subject: Violant informs the Queen of Navarre of the death of PereDate: January 31, 1387Day of the Week: ThursdayLanguage: CatalanArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1818 f96rLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: ViolantRecipient: Queen of NavarreMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant discussed a land sale in the province of Maresme.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e37-jan30Today's Document:Subject: A land sale in MaresmeDate: January 30, 1387Day of the Week: WednesdayLanguage: LatinArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1819 f79rLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: ViolantRecipients: officials of MaresmeMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan wrote to the King of France and the Duke of Touraine requesting a troubadour named Colinet.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e36-jan29Today's Document:Subject: Joan requests a troubadour named ColinetDate: January 29, 1387Day of the Week: TuesdayLanguage: CatalanArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1751 f9v-10rLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: JoanRecipients: Charles VI, King of France, and the Duke of TouraineMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant informed Ramon de Perellos, the Viscount of Roda, that the King of Navarre had died.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e35-jan28Today's Document:- Subject: Violant informs Ramon de Perellos of the death of the King of Navarre- Date: January 28, 1387- Day of the Week: Monday- Language: Catalan- Archival Reference Number: ACA CR R1818 f96v- Link to PARES- Place: Barcelona- Sender: Violant- Recipients: Ramon de Perellos, Vescomte de RodaMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan ordered changes at the Ripoll Monastery, undoing some of Sibilla da Fortía's influence there.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e34-jan27Today's Document:- Subject: Joan initiates a change at the Ripoll Monastery- Date: January 27, 1387- Day of the Week: Sunday- Language: Latin- Archival Reference Number: ACA CR R1825 f14v- Link to PARES- Place: Barcelona- Sender: Joan- Recipient: Nicolas de PomerioMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant ordered the transfer of authority over the town of Cubelles away from Bernat da Fortía and to Petrus de Mari.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e33-jan26Today's Document:- Subject: Legal document regarding the town of Cubelles- Date: January 26, 1387- Day of the Week: Saturday- Language: Latin- Archival Reference Number: ACA CR R1822 f120v-121r- Link to PARES- Place: Barcelona- Sender: Violant- Recipients: Petrus de MariMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan appointed several people to the Inquisition of Girona.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e32-jan25Today's Document:- Subject: Inquisition appointments- Date: January 25, 1387- Day of the Week: Friday- Language: Latin- Archival Reference Number: ACA CR R1912 f42r-v- Link to PARES- Place: Barcelona- Sender: Joan- Recipients: new officials of the Inquisition in GironaMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant recommended Johan Fernando Aranda, a bachelor of law, for an ecclesiastical post in Barcelona.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e31-jan24Today's Document:- Subject: Violant's recommends Aranda for an ecclesiastical post- Date: January 24, 1387- Day of the Week: Thursday- Language: Latin- Archival Reference Number: ACA CR R1819 f76v- Link to PARES- Place: Barcelona- Sender: Violant- Recipient: Pope Clement VIIMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan collected a fine that he imposed on the Muslims of Fraga for an outbreak of violence against the Jews of that city.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e30-jan23Today's Document:- Subject: Collection of a fine from the Muslim aljama of Fraga- Date: January 23, 1387- Day of the Week: Wednesday- Language: Latin- Archival Reference Number: ACA CR R1890 f52r-53r- Link to PARES- Place: Barcelona- Sender: Joan- Recipients: Muslim aljama of FragaMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant informed communities in her portfolio that they will need to pay some additional taxes.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/Today's Document:Subject: Tax collectionDate: January 22, 1387Day of the Week: TuesdayLanguage: CatalanArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1819 f75v-76rLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: ViolantRecipients: officials of several towns and aljamasMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant's treasurer authorized a payment to Jacques and Isabel Portalbert, a husband-and-wife troubadour team.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e28-jan21Today's Document:Subject: record of payments to the PortalbertsDate: January 21, 1387Day of the Week: MondayLanguage: CatalanArchival Reference Number: ACA RP MR, vol. SG, 904, f72v. (image 95)Link to PARESPlace: BarcelonaAccount Holder: ViolantAuthorizer: Johan CallosRecipients: the minstrels Jacques and Isabel PortalbertMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant sent an upbeat greeting to the new King of Navarre, a person with whom Violant shared an interesting history.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/Today's Document:Subject: Violant sends a greeting to the King of NavarreDate: January 20, 1387Day of the Week: SundayLanguage: CatalanArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1819 f74rLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: ViolantRecipient: Charles III, King of NavarreMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan added his input to a business problem encountered by a group in Montblanc which included Joan’s brother, Martí.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e26-jan19Today's Document:Subject: a business deal in MontblancDate: January 19, 1387Day of the Week: SaturdayLanguage: LatinArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1953 f10rLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: JoanRecipients: Martí and business partners in MontblancMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan wrote to the officials of Cervera to provide protection for the chief chaplain of the archbishop of Zaragoza, Pedro de Guardia. This episode also gets into the topic of mail delivery, levels of seals, and the organization of the Archive of the Crown of Aragon.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e25-jan18Today's Document:Subject: protection letter for Pedro de GuardiaDate: January 18, 1387Day of the Week: FridayLanguage: LatinArchival Reference Number: ACA CR Pergaminos Juan I Caja 1 nº3 f3r-vLink to Fondo Histórico de AragónPlace: GranollersSender: JoanRecipients: officials of CerveraMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan wrote to Violant about a petition from some Barcelona city councilors to revoke a recent election. This episode also examines how historians write about gender.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e24-jan17Today's Document:Subject: Joan informs Violant of a request about privileges from some Barcelona CouncilorsDate: January 17, 1387Day of the Week: ThursdayLanguage: CatalanArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1952 f19vLink to PARESPlace: GranollersSender: JoanRecipient: ViolantMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, on the day of the big meeting to organize the new government, Violant wrote to the Bishop of Granollers.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e23-jan16Today's Document:Subject: Violant supports the pilgrimage of Friar PetrusDate: January 16, 1387Day of the Week: WednesdayLanguage: LatinArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1819 f74rLink to PARESPlace: GranollersSender: ViolantRecipient: Bishop of GranollersMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan ordered a payment to a harp-maker for at least two custom-made harps.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e22-jan15Today's Document:Subject: Joan arranges payments for custom-made harpsDate: January 15, 1387Day of the Week: TuesdayLanguage: LatinArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1953 f18rLink to PARESPlace: GranollersSender: JoanRecipients: Petro Palau, the harp-makerMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan issued an approval for a sale taking place in Girona.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e21-jan14Today's Document:Subject: Joan approves a sale in GironaDate: January 14, 1387Day of the Week: MondayLanguage: CatalanArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1952 f9vLink to PARESPlace: GranollersSender: JoanRecipients: Prohomens of GironaMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant wrote to the Pope that some difficulties, arduis urgentibus, have occurred in the succession process. Also, at the beginning of this episode, I do a little check-in to share a bit about the project overall and how my interest in it got started.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e20-jan13Today's Document:Subject: Violant writes to the Pope.Date: January 20, 1387Day of the Week: SundayLanguage: LatinArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1819 f74rLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: ViolantRecipients: Pope Clement VIIMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan summoned Esperandeu Cardona, an advisor closely connected to the Jewish community of Barcelona, to come to Granollers. Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e19-jan12Today's Document:Subject: Summons to a Jewish advisor to come to GranollersDate: January 12, 1387Day of the Week: SaturdayLanguage: LatinArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1952 f8rLink to PARESPlace: GranollersSender: JoanRecipient: Esperandeu Cardona Music CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan wrote to the monastery and convent at Montserrat. Is it a routine recommendation letter or the installation of an agent who will report back? This episode also includes discussion of how to apply critical thinking to AI chatbot results.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e18-jan11Today's Document:Subject: letter of recommendation to Montserrat monastery and conventDate: January 11, 1387Day of the Week: FridayLanguage: CatalanArchival Reference Number: ACA CR RLink to PARESPlace: near GranollersSender: JoanRecipient: those in charge of room and board at MontserratMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, King Pere's body was interred in the royal crypt. This document records the death of Pere the Ceremonious in a manner of certification at the end of a treasury record book. The episode relates a few notable events from the life of King Pere, who reigned from 1336-1387.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e17-jan10Today's Document:Subject: an official record of the death of King Pere the CeremoniousDate: January 10, 1387Day of the Week: ThursdayLanguage: LatinArchival Reference Number: ACA RP MR, vol. SG, 652, inside back cover (image 258)Link to PARESPlace: BarcelonaRecorder: Unnamed treasury officialMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant wrote to Maria de Luna, her sister-in-law, Martí’s wife, asking Maria to come to Barcelona as soon as possible. This episode showcases Maria de Luna as a political powerhouse in the Crown of Aragon.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e15-jan8Today's Document:Subject: Violant asks Maria de Luna to come to BarcelonaDate: January 9, 1387Day of the Week: WednesdayArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1819 f73rLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: ViolantRecipient: Maria de LunaMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant established contact with the Crown's officials in Majorca. This episode provides a lot of background information about the history of the Crown of Aragon and also explains a little about the development of the Catalan language. The document itself is about Majorca, but that island's incorporation into the Crown of Aragon in the thirteenth century is just one part of the expansion of the Crown of Aragon.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e15-jan8Today's Document:Subject: Violant establishes contact with Crown of Aragon administrators in MajorcaDate: January 8, 1387Day of the Week: TuesdayLanguage: CatalanArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1819 f72vLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: ViolantRecipient: Governor of Majorca, Francesc de SagarrigaMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant wrote to Martí, telling him to put prisoners from Sibilla’s surrender in the castle of Santa Creu, but not in chains. This episode also explains into how contemporary scholars in queenship studies conceptualize power.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e14-jan7Today's Document:Subject: Violant coordinates plans for the prisoners from Sibilla’s flightDate: January 7, 1387Day of the Week: MondayArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1819 f72rLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: ViolantRecipient: MartíMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant moved to organize plans for succession. January 6th is a day of transition of power in the Crown of Aragon in 1387. The king is dead. But in the absence of the new king, the queen must set the foundations of the new reign.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e13-jan6Today's Document:Subject: Violant coordinating succession plans in BarcelonaDate: January 6, 1387Day of the Week: SundayArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1819 f71vLink to PARESPlace: BarcelonaSender: ViolantRecipient: JoanMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan ruled on a dispute over a dowry. This episode spends a lot of time on the materiality of the archival documents themselves and the experience of the Archive of the Crown of Aragon. Also, though, the episode provides introductory information about Marie A. Kelleher's scholarship on the way that women navigated and operationalized the legal system in the Crown of Aragon.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e12-jan5Today's Document:Subject: Joan rules on a petitionDate: January 5, 1387Day of the Week: SaturdayLanguage: LatinArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1786 f259v-260vLink to PARESPlace: Girona, ostensiblySender: JoanRecipients: petitionersMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan wrote to his brother, Marti, who is in pursuit of Queen Sibilla. Today's document provides some hints about the flurry of communication happening. Also, the first signs of Joan's illness start to appear as he tells his brother that he will spend an extra night in Bella Dona.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e11-jan4Today's Document:Subject:Joan and Martí figuring out how to respond to Queen Sibilla’s flight from BarcelonaDate: January 4, 1387Day of the Week: FridayLanguage: CatalanArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1952 f8rLink to PARESPlace: Bella DonaSender: JoanRecipients: MartíMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan informed the Barcelona city councilors that he would arrive there soon. It is a promise that he will not be able to keep...Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e10-jan3Today's Document:Subject: Joan’s communication with the leadership of Barcelona about Pere’s grave illnessDate: January 3, 1387Day of the Week: ThursdayArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1952 f11vLink to PARESPlace: GironaSender: JoanRecipients: Prohomens of BarcelonaMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

Warning: today's episode is about sexual assault.In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan wrote to the Duc de Berry about the students who got into trouble in Montpellier. He provides details that were not at all present in Violant's letter of December 25th. Those details make it clear that the students committed a rape.This episode, while dealing with a difficult topic, provides a powerful example of how archival records produce silences and how a historian can become aware of their own blindspots.Extra information about today's document as well as bibliographic citations are available at the webpage for this episode: https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e9-jan2Today’s Document:Subject: Joan asks the Duc de Berry to influence the treatment of the Catalan studentsDate: January 2, 1387Day of the Week: WednesdayArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1648 f109rLink to PARESPlace: GironaSender: JoanRecipient: Duc de Berry

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan wrote to Marti about their father's books and astronomical instruments. In a move that appears rather vulturous, Joan asks his brother to secure some of their dying father’s precious possessions. In this episode Jonathan also discusses Catalan humanism and introduces Joan and Violant's cultural contributions.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e8-jan1Today's Document:Subject: Joan asks Martí to secure items as Pere is dyingDate: January 1, 1387Day of the Week: TuesdayArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1952 f5r-vLink to PARESPlace: GironaSender: JoanRecipients: MartíMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan provided authorization for an inheritance proceeding. Today's document eventually becomes comprehensible thanks to a bail-out from AI. After discussing it, Jonathan adds a bit more background information about the Crown of Aragon, Violant de Bar's childhood, and the familial dynamics between Pere and Joan.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e7-dec31Today's Document:Subject: The execution of the last will of Andreu de FenolletDate: December 31, 1387Day of the Week: MondayArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1752 f23r 2aLink to PARESPlace: GironaSender: JoanRecipients: All of the leading officials in Roussillon and CerdagneMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan issued a dramatic charter. The King is not yet dead, but the machinery of the succession activates. In a fateful turn of events, the Queen flees the bedside of the dying King. Upon hearing this, Joan takes swift action against the Queen, a move which benefits Violant. That is the subject of today's document, a charter by Joan but written in Violant's register of her property records.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e6-dec30Today's Document:Subject: A charter granting all of Sibilla de Fortià’s properties to ViolantDate: December 30, 1387Day of the Week: SundayArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1808 f197v-198vLink to PARESPlace: GironaAuthorizer: JoanRecipients: All of the officials in charge of the properties and collection of rentsMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant's treasurer authorized a payment to a baker on her household staff. This episode introduces a new type of document to the podcast, a treasury record. In this document, a baker gets paid 356 sous for three months of work in Violant's household. After some sourcing and historical thinking about this document, the episode shifts to explain a little background about how Joan and Violant start planning the logistics of succession. This sets up for tomorrow's document, one that brings some high drama into the story.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e5-dec29Today's Document:Subject: A record of a payment to a ‘panier’ of the queen’s household;Date: payment for the period of October 1, 1386 to December 29, 1387;Day of the Week: Saturday;Archival Reference Number: ACA RP MR, vol. SG, 904, f72v. (image 95);Link to PARES;Place: Barcelona;Account Holder: Violant;Authorizer: Johan Callos;Recipient: Simon de Fornells;Music CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan wrote to religious officials in Huesca. In this episode, Jonathan wrangles with some tough Latin and then discusses one of the most useful resources for this project, an Itinerary of Joan's location composed by Daniel Girona i Llagostera in 1923.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e4-dec28Today's Document:Subject: Another letter from Joan to an ecclesiastical official about a vacancy.Date: December 28, 1387Day of the Week: FridayArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1675 f20rLink to PARESPlace: GironaSender: Joan, Duke of GironaRecipient: Unsure, the ‘capitulum’ of Huesca?Music CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Violant wrote her own recommendation letter for Bernardo Maloll. Plus: worm holes, chancery backlogs, gender dynamics and more!Read about this document on the episode page on Jonathan's website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e3-dec27Today's Document:Subject:Violant recommends Bernardo Maloll for an ecclesiastical postDate: December 27, 1387Day of the Week: WednesdayArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1822 f118rLink to PARESPlace: GironaSender: Violant, Duchess of GironaRecipient: Juan Fernández de Heredia, Master of Rhodes, head of the HospitallersMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, Joan recommended Bernard Maloll for an appointment at a monastery. But Jonathan devotes much of this episode to an explanation of the organization of the Archives of the Crown of Aragon and some tips for understanding what you see on a typical page in the registers.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e2-dec26Today's Document:Subject: Joan recommends Bernardo Maloll for an ecclesiastical postDate: December 26, 1387Day of the Week: WednesdayArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1675 f19vLink to PARESPlace: GironaSender: Joan, Duke of GironaRecipient: Juan Fernández de Heredia, Master of Rhodes, head of the HospitallersMusic CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

In the Crown of Aragon, 639 years ago, it was New Year's Day. In Episode 1, I lay out some general expectations for how the podcast will go. Each 15-minute daily episode features a document from that day in 1387, the first year of Joan and Violant’s reign as King and Queen of the Crown of Aragon. Sometimes an episode will focus on that document’s content and other times the document will simply jumpstart a conversation about some background knowledge.Read more about this document on the episode page on Jonathan' s website, https://jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebook-s1-episodes/e1-dec25Today's Document:Subject: Aragonese students in trouble with authorities in MontpellierDate: December 25, 1387Day of the Week: TuesdayArchival Reference Number: ACA CR R1822 f117vLink to PARESPlace: GironaSender: Violant, Duchess of GironaRecipient: Prohomens of MontpellierIn the late-fourteenth-century the Crown of Aragon, the new year began on the same day as Christmas, December 25th.On this day, Violant de Bar, not yet queen, wrote to the political leaders of the city of Montpellier about some troublesome students of Aragonese origin.There are over 60,000 documents connected to Joan and Violant in the Archive of the Crown of Aragon. This season of The Historian’s Notebook will take you on a journey into that abundant source of historical information. Thematically, the podcast will also explore how medievalists today write about gender in the Middle Ages.Music CreditsThe music in this episode is from The Troubadour Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayers-Griffiths

This trailer introduces Season 1 of The Historian's Notebook. In this Season, Jonathan will take listeners deep into the research process, with short daily episodes. Each episode, Jonathan will work with a document from that day in 1387, the first year of the reign of King Joan I of Aragon and Violant de Bar. They reigned from 1387-1396 and their first tumultuous year included near-death illness, court scandals, and troubadour parties. In addition to learning more about these two fascinating medieval monarchs, listeners will gain insight into the surprising abundance of the digitized Archive of the Crown of Aragon.For more information about the podcast, visit Jonathan's website, jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebookThe theme music for Season 1 of The Historian's Notebook comes from these tracks:The Troubadour's Dance Instrumental by Melody Ayres-GriffithsKing Oedipus Part E by Peter Barbaix (The Fealdo Project)

This trailer will give you a general idea of how The Historian's Notebook will encounter history as a subject. Instead of telling finished stories of the past or presenting completed historical arguments, The Historian's Notebook brings you into the process of making history.For more information about the podcast, visit Jonathan's website, jonathanseyfried.net/historians-notebookThe theme music for the series trailer is Lounge - Midnight Drift, by AiCanvas.