Alfonso II of Asturias facts for kids
Alfonso II of Asturias (born around 760, died 842), was known as the Chaste. He was the king of Asturias during two different times. He ruled first in 783, and then from 791 until his death in 842. After he died, a family member named Nepociano tried to take the crown. But the next king was Ramiro I.
Alfonso ruled for 51 years. During his time as king, a very important discovery was made. People found what they believed was the tomb of St. James the Great. This happened in a town that later became the famous city of Santiago de Compostela. Alfonso was the son of King Fruela I and Munia. His mother was a woman from the Basque region.
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Early Life of Alfonso
Alfonso was born in Oviedo around the year 759 or 760. After his father, King Fruela I, died, Alfonso was cared for by his aunt Adosinda. Some stories say he lived in the Monastery of San Xulián de Samos.
He worked in the palace when Adosinda's husband, King Silo, was ruling. When King Silo died, some of Alfonso's supporters wanted him to be king. However, his uncle Mauregatus became king instead. Alfonso then went to Álava to stay with his mother's relatives. Later, his cousin Bermudo became king. Bermudo gave up the throne after losing a battle.
Alfonso Becomes King
Alfonso was then chosen to be king on September 14, 791. This was a very important moment for the Kingdom of Asturias.
Battles with Andalusian Forces
When Alfonso became king, Hisham I, the ruler of Córdoba, started many military attacks. These attacks happened in the eastern and northwestern parts of Asturias. In 794, a major attack led by Abd al-Karim caused a big defeat for Alfonso II. This happened in the eastern areas of the Kingdom of Asturias.
Alfonso asked for help from Belasco, a Frankish leader in the Basque region. Abd al-Karim moved further into Asturias and took many goods. At the same time, his brother Abd al-Malik attacked the western parts of Asturias.
Alfonso's Ties with Charlemagne
Alfonso II faced many challenges from his enemies. So, he sent messengers to Charlemagne, the powerful Frankish emperor. These visits happened in 796, 797, and 798. Alfonso wanted to make his rule stronger and protect Asturias from attacks. He also wanted to deal with problems inside his kingdom, especially in Galicia.
Charlemagne and the Pope officially recognized Alfonso as a king. They also recognized Asturias as a kingdom for the first time. Alfonso was interested in the Frankish Church. He encouraged the influence of the Carolingian Church in Asturias. During his reign, the supposed resting place of St. James was found. Support from Charlemagne helped Alfonso lead a successful attack. His troops went all the way to Lisbon and took control of it in 798.
Important Events Later On
In 825, Alfonso defeated forces from Córdoba in battles at Narón and Anceo. These victories helped to "repopulate" parts of Galicia, León, and Castile. People were given special papers to confirm they owned these lands.
Alfonso also moved the capital city. He moved it from Pravia to Oviedo. Oviedo was the city where his father had founded and where Alfonso was born. In Oviedo, he built churches and a palace. He built San Tirso, where he is buried. He also built Santullano outside the city.
Records say that Alfonso II died in 842. He had ruled the kingdom for 52 years. He was known for being pure, careful, and very religious during his time as king.
It is said that in 814, the body of Saint James the Greater was found in Compostela. Alfonso is believed to be the first pilgrim to visit this famous holy place.
See also
In Spanish: Alfonso II de Asturias para niños
