James I (of Aragón)

James I (of Aragón), called The Conqueror (1208-1276), king of Aragón (1213-76), son of King Pedro II, born in Montpellier, France. He succeeded his father as king of Aragón in 1213. Sixteen years later James began his conquest of the Balearic Islands, gaining full control in 1235. After a 3-year campaign he then captured the Moorish city and kingdom of Valencia. He promulgated a new legal code in 1247 and brought an end to the conflicting territorial claims of Aragón and France by concluding the Treaty of Corbeil with Louis IX of France in 1258. He spent the remaining years of his life attempting to drive the Moors from the Spanish peninsula. Before his death he divided his kingdom between his two sons, a division that ultimately led to conflict.