In 1188, a historic gathering took place in the city of Leon in the Kingdom of Castile.

It was a kingdom-wide assembly convened by King Alfonso IX that brought together nobles, clergy, and town representatives to advise the crown.

It is significant because it is the earliest documented European assembly to include urban representatives and to formally limit royal power in writing.

Learn about the Cortes of Leon and how it helped establish parliamentary government and representative decision-making on this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily.