Joseph Ecija

Joseph was born in Ecija, Andalusia, and was chief tax farmer (almoxarife mayor) of Alfonso XI of Castile (1313 – 1350).

Ecija advanced in the royal service through the patronage of Infante Felipe, son of Sancho IV (1258 – 1295), who was captivated by Ecija's great abilities, pleasing manners, and talent for music. Under Alfonso XI of Castile, Ecija became chief tax farmer and a member of the royal council. Such position granted him certain privileges; he rode out in a state carriage, knights escorted him on his journeys, and grandees dined at his table. Ecija’s success and greatness that surrounded him enticed certain envy and made him enemies who first acted against him in 1326 when he was sent by Alfonso XI to meet his betrothed, the daughter of the Portuguese king. Some of the knights who accompanied him stirred up the populace of Valladolid against him, but he was saved through the intervention of Dona Leonor, the king’s sister. Pressure against Ecija, imposed on Alfonso XI, resulted in his dismissal from the royal council in 1328. However, a year later he was again high in royal favor, conducting negotiations with Alfonso IV of Aragon (1327–1336). His final downfall was constructed by his former protégé, Gonzalo Martenez de Oviedo, royal major-domo and commander of the Order of Alcantara, who had him imprisoned.

Joseph Ecija cared for his coreligionists and had built a synagogue in Seville and endowed a house of learning in his native Ecija, providing for the maintenance of the dean and students.