La Casa de Contratación

La Casa de Contratación was a 16th-century Spanish government agency established in Seville to oversee Spain’s overseas empire, particularly in the Americas and Africa. Its responsibilities included regulating navigation, overseeing trade, issuing licenses for ships and explorers, and ensuring imperial laws were followed. It served as a central authority to manage Spain’s vast and complex colonial operations, helping to control commerce and exploration efforts. The agency played a key role in organizing and supervising Spain’s maritime dominance during the Age of Discovery until its dissolution in the early 18th century.