Soria, 1963 – Madrid, 2024

The unexpected death of Máximo Diago, when he already seemed to have recovered from the serious illness he suffered two years ago, is a great loss for Spanish medievalism, and causes a strong feeling of sadness in those of us who knew him and appreciated both his good personal qualities and the merit of his work.

Dr. Diago studied at the Faculty of Geography and History of the Complutense University (Madrid), where he obtained his PhD in 1990. He was postdoctoral fellow at the University of Cologne (1993-1994), and researcher at the Institución Milá y Fontanals (Spanish National Research Council – CSIC), in Barcelona (1996-1999). He was later Senior Researcher at the Institute of History of the CSIC, in Madrid, from 1999 until his death. Dr. Diago was an active member of the International Commission for the History of Towns between 2009 and 2022, and Corresponding Member of the Royal Academy of History (Madrid) since 2017.

He was the author of nine books and more than 200 research articles and book chapters. His work as editor of more than 400 reviews, most of them published in the Journal Anuario de Estudios Medievales, has also been very notable and beneficial for his Spanish colleagues.

His main research dealt with the history of the cities of Castile between the 14th and 16th centuries, based on his PhD dissertation on Soria and its territory, and has given rise to publications that address a large number and variety of aspects, sometimes introducing comparisons with the situation in German cities. His extensive knowledge has also allowed him to make excellent syntheses about the Revolt of the Comuneros of Castile (1520-1522).

He also dedicated many publications to trade between Castile and Aragon, especially that of textile products. At the same time, he carried out important research on transhumance livestock farming in Castile, between the 14th and 17th centuries, and the Mesta (an association of livestock owners that regulated transhumance). He was one of the best experts on this basic topic in Castilian economic history.

Furthermore, he regularly researched archives, with unpublished documents, and discovered and published many informations of interest about individuals and social groups of those centuries, including the Jewish and Muslim minorities.

Máximo Diago put his outstanding intelligence and extraordinary work capacity at the service of the historical research. The result is a solid and innovative work, which will deserve recognition for a long time to come. Rest in peace.

Miguel Ángel Ladero Quesada (Royal Academy of History)

Pablo Ortego Rico (University of Malaga)