Gastehiz 1025-2025

The medieval text featured as the background of this webpage is among the most significant and influential documents in the history of the Basque language. Known as “La Reja de San Millán” – “Donemiliagako Goldea”, it records the taxes paid by the communities of Álava to the Monastery of San Millán in the year 1025. Preserved within the codex referred to as the Becerro Galicano de San Millán, this text, in the words of Mitxelena, presents Basque names with an archaic quality unmatched by any other medieval document. A notable example of this is the name Gastehiz, the earliest documented mention of the city in which this conference will be held (underlined in red).

In the context of a conference devoted to the history of the Basque language, even the briefest mention of this text is indispensable, particularly as it celebrates its millennium this year. These lines are intended to commemorate this remarkable anniversary.

The most recent edition of this document is available at the following link:

https://www.ehu.eus/galicano/id583&l=es&tmp=1741596839773