AlfonsoVIII

Alfonso VIII, also known as Alfonso the Noble, was King of Castile from 1158 until his death in 1214. He was born in Alarcos and succeeded his father, Sancho III, at the age of three. His regency was marked by instability and internal conflicts, with various noble factions vying for power.

Despite these challenges, Alfonso asserted his authority and embarked on a series of military campaigns. His most significant victory came at the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212, a decisive Christian triumph over the Almohad Caliphate. This battle is considered a turning point in the Reconquista, paving the way for further Christian expansion in the Iberian Peninsula.

Alfonso VIII also fostered cultural and religious development within his kingdom. He was a patron of the Cistercian order and founded numerous monasteries and churches. He also played a role in the development of the University of Palencia, one of the earliest universities in Europe. His reign saw a period of relative peace and prosperity, though it was not without its challenges. He died in Gutierre-Muñoz and was succeeded by his son, Henry I.