Alcaraz, Spain
Alcaraz is a municipality of Spain located in the province of Albacete, Castilla–La Mancha. The municipality spans across a total area of 370.53 km2. The locality lies at 953 metres above mean sea level.
History
Alcaraz was incorporated to Christian domain in 1213.The town was granted the status of city in 1429, by means of the concession of a royal privilege. The urban oligarchy controlling political power and riches in the later Middle Ages was formed by a mix of the nobleza hidalga and the so-called caballeros cuantiosos.
After the expulsion of the Jews in 1492, records from Alcaraz note the sale of the former synagogue to a Muslim resident. The convert Diego de Alcaraz, previously known as Yose, contested the property, and the Crown referred the dispute to the judges of Uclés for settlement.
The Alcaraz's extensive municipal territory during the Middle Ages had decreased fivefold by the end of the 16th century, after the emancipation of several hamlets, and it was further decimated in the ensuing years.