The conquest of Valencia by King James I of Aragon marked a pivotal moment in the Reconquista, a series of campaigns by Christian states to reclaim territory from Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula. James I, determined to expand his realm and establish Christian governance, initiated a campaign against Valencia, which had been under Moorish control. The siege lasted several months and involved strategic military maneuvers, including the use of heavy artillery and alliances with local factions discontent with Moorish rule. The successful capture of the city on September 28, 1238, culminated in a decisive victory for James I and his forces.

Following the conquest, James I proclaimed himself King of Valencia and embarked on the task of repopulating the city with Christians, fundamentally altering the region’s demographic and cultural landscape. His rule represented a new chapter for Valencia, which would see the introduction of Christian laws and customs, alongside the gradual decline of Moorish influence. This transition was also pivotal for trade, agriculture, and urban development in the area, as James I encouraged Christian settlers to establish farms and businesses.

The implications of this conquest extended beyond immediate political gains; it signaled a larger trend during the Reconquista where Christian kingdoms sought to reclaim and consolidate power in what had been Islamic territories for centuries. This moment laid the groundwork for the evolution of Valencia into a key center of Christian culture in the following centuries, which would have lasting effects on the region's identity.