Alfonso IX of León

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
Reign	22 January 1188 — 24 September 1230
Coronation	5 February 1188
Predecessor	Ferdinand II
Successor	Ferdinand III
Born	(1171-08-15)15 August 1171 Zamora
Died	24 September 1230(1230-09-24) (aged 59) Villanueva de Sarria
Burial	Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
Spouse	Theresa of Portugal (m. 1191; div. 1196) Berengaria of Castile (m. 1197; div. 1204)
Issue	Sancha, Infanta of León Fernando, Infante of León Dulce, Infanta of León Ferdinand III, King of Castile and León Alfonso, Lord of Molina and Mesa Berengaria, Latin Empress
House	Ivrea
Father	Ferdinand II of León and Galicia
Mother	Urraca of Portugal
Religion	Roman 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

Alfonso IX of León Castilian House of Ivrea 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