When the King Shed Tears: Political Behaviour in the Crown of Aragon

What is it about?

Public weeping in the Middle Ages was not necessarily a sign of weakness but a powerful means of communication, even for rulers. This article examines how kings of the Crown of Aragon, notably James I, used tears strategically in political and military contexts. Contrary to modern perceptions, where public weeping is often discouraged, medieval monarchs wept openly to express grief, consolidate support and reinforce their authority. Using historical sources such as James I's Book of Deeds, this study argues that royal tears were often deliberate rather than mere expressions of emotion. Whether in battle, diplomatic negotiations or public addresses, weeping functioned as a performative act that shaped political dynamics and strengthened the bonds between rulers and their subjects. Contrary to the assumption that medieval emotional expression was unregulated or impulsive, this article demonstrates that emotions, including tears, could be deliberately managed and used strategically in political contexts. Ultimately, the study situates royal weeping within a broader framework of medieval rulership, demonstrating that the deliberate display of emotion was integral to authority and governance.

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Why is it important?

This article takes an interdisciplinary approach, combining political history, medieval studies and emotion theory to examine the role of public weeping in medieval rulership. By analysing the strategic use of tears by the kings of the Crown of Aragon, it contributes to wider discussions on the performativity of emotions in pre-modern politics. The study also engages with historical perspectives on power and emotional display, challenging modern assumptions about the relationship between authority and emotional restraint. In doing so, it offers new insights into the ways in which emotions were not merely personal experiences but also critical instruments of governance.