El progreso social de los Fernández de Heredia hasta alcanzar el Condado de Aranda: un modelo programático de ascenso nobiliario aragonés (siglos XIV-XVII)

The historical process of the consolidation of nobility from its medieval origins to the late Modern Era is currently a matter of interest. The core of this study is the lineage of the Fernández de Heredia family, a family of the Aragonese middle nobility which made re- markable progress until it became one of the main Houses of Aragon and part of the monarchy. The study analyses the successive generations, the process of noble constitution and consolidation, as well as the marriage strategies and liaison with other families of special interest for future collective progress. This process serves as an example of one of the social models which explains the behaviour of the ascending nobility, using the tools of the Ancient Regime.