Plus citra: Castilian destinations of American silver

Abstract

In the 16th century Seville is not only the core of transatlantic trade but the primate city of the Castilian urban hierarchy. The analysis of the main receiving places for the American precious metal shows not only the connections, but also the rank and character of the major urban economies of the Crown of Castile. In addition to family and political ties, these shipments reveal a wide urban belt extended from the Gulf of Cadiz to that of Biscay. Another relevant aspect is the remarkable presence of converts involved in these traffics.