The Crown of Aragon was a composite monarchy which began in 1162 and ended in 1716. One king ruled over several political territories (similar to states). At its height, the geography covered present-day southern Italy, eastern Spain and several Mediterranean islands. An archive for the Crown of Aragon was founded in 1318. Since 1994, the General Archive function has been headquartered in this building on Almogàvers Street. The Ministry of Education organization maintains documents dating back to 844 AD.