Order of Saint Mary of Spain facts for kids
The Order of Saint Mary of Spain, also known as the Order of the Star, was a special group of knights in Spain. King Alfonso X of Castile created this military order in 1270. Their main job was to protect Spain's coasts and ships. They were like a navy for the kingdom.
Contents
A Look Back: The Order's Story
How the Order Started
King Alfonso X of Castile started the Order of Saint Mary of Spain around 1270. He wanted to make Spain's navy stronger. The order helped defend the kingdom of Castile from attacks by sea. It was set up in a similar way to another famous knightly group, the Order of Calatrava. Members of the order included nobles, knights, and clergy (church leaders).
By 1273, the king decided that the order should join with the Cistercians, a group of monks. The knights wore a black robe and a red cape. On their cape, they had a gold star with the king's coat of arms sewn inside it.
A special old book called the Códice de Florencia from the Cantigas de Santa Maria has a song about this order. Sadly, the music for this song was lost because the music lines were left empty in the book.
Where the Order Was Based
The main headquarters of the order was in Cartagena. King Alfonso X had a Cistercian convent built there. He even wanted to be buried in this place when he died. The order was dedicated to the Virgen del Rosell, a special statue of the Virgin Mary found in Cartagena.
Some historians think that the Cartagena Cathedral might have actually been the main church for this convent.
The order also had smaller bases in other important ports. These included San Sebastián, La Coruña, and El Puerto de Santa María. All these smaller bases reported to the main headquarters in Cartagena.
Why the Order Ended
On June 23, 1280, a big battle happened called the Battle of Moclín. In this battle, many knights from another group, the Order of Santiago, were lost. Castilian soldiers, led by Gonzalo Ruiz Girón, the Grand Master of the Order of Santiago, fought against Muslim forces. Many knights died, and Gonzalo Ruiz Girón also passed away from his injuries.
To stop the Order of Santiago from disappearing after so many losses, King Alfonso X of Castile decided to combine the Order of Saint Mary of Spain with the Order of Santiago. He named a new leader, Pedro Núñez, for the combined group. This decision officially ended the Order of Saint Mary of Spain.
Another reason the order was disbanded was that it wasn't very successful in sea battles. In its only major sea trip, the fleet of Santa María de España was completely destroyed. This happened during the naval Battle of Algeciras.
Modern Times: A New Beginning
On August 13, 2008, a new Catholic religious order was started in Cartagena. This new group said they were connected to the old Order of Santa María. They also said they would honor the Virgen del Rosell, just like the original order did.
Images for kids
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A scene from the Cantigas de Santa María.
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A coin from the 13th century showing the order's Grand Master.
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Ruins of the Cathedral of Cartagena, where the order was based.
See also
In Spanish: Orden de Santa María de España para niños
- Spanish military orders
- Alfonso X of Castile
- Order of Santiago
- Reconquista
