Alfonso IX of León

King of León and Galicia from 1188 to 1230

Alfonso IX (15 August 1171 — 24 September 1230) nicknamed the Warrior King (Spanish: el Rey Guerrero) was King of León and Galicia from in 1188 until his death in 1230. During his reign, León became more powerful and modern. He founded the University of Salamanca in 1212.

Alfonso IX
An artist's depiction of Alfonso
King of León and Galicia
Reign22 January 1188 — 24 September 1230
Coronation5 February 1188
PredecessorFerdinand II
SuccessorFerdinand III
Born(1171-08-15)15 August 1171
Zamora
Died24 September 1230(1230-09-24) (aged 59)
Villanueva de Sarria
Burial
Spouse
(m. 1191; div. 1196)
(m. 1197; div. 1204)
Issue
HouseIvrea
FatherFerdinand II of León and Galicia
MotherUrraca of Portugal
ReligionRoman Catholicism

Alfonso improved relations with the Catholic Church and the pope. He was also a great warrior. He actively fought in the Reconquista, conquering several territories within Extremadura, capturing Mérida and Badajoz in 1230 before he died later that year at the age of 59. He was succeeded by his son who already ruled Castile, Ferdinand III, who successfully united León with Castile.

References

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Alfonso IX of León
Cadet branch of the House of Ivrea
Born: 15 August 1171 Died: 23/24 September 1230
Regnal titles
Preceded by
Ferdinand II
King of León and Galicia
1188–1230
Succeeded by
Ferdinand III