Alfonso IV of León facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alfonso IV |
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King Alfonso in the castilian manuscript "Compendium of chronicles of kings (...)" (c. 1312-1325)
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| King of León | |
| Reign | 925–931 |
| Predecessor | Fruela II |
| Successor | Ramiro II |
| Born | c. 890s |
| Died | August 933 Monastery of Ruiforco |
| Burial | Basilica of San Isidoro |
| Consort | Onneca Sánchez of Pamplona |
| Issue | Ordoño IV Fruela |
| Dynasty | Astur-Leonese dynasty |
| Father | Ordoño II of León |
| Mother | Elvira Menéndez |
| Religion | Chalcedonian Christianity |
Alfonso IV (born around 890s, died 933) was a king known as the Monk. He ruled the Kingdom of León from 925 (or 926) and the Kingdom of Galicia from 929. He was king until 931, when he decided to give up his throne.
Contents
Becoming King of León
When King Ordoño II of León died in 924, his brother Fruela II of León became the new king of León. Fruela II ruled for only about a year. After Fruela's death, his son, Alfonso Fróilaz, became king in some parts of the kingdom.
The Sons of Ordoño II
However, Ordoño II's own sons believed they were the rightful heirs to the throne. These sons were Sancho Ordóñez, Alfonso (who would become Alfonso IV), and Ramiro. They decided to fight against their cousin, Alfonso Fróilaz.
With help from King Jimeno Garcés of Pamplona, they managed to push Alfonso Fróilaz out of the main kingdom. They then divided the kingdom among themselves. Alfonso Ordóñez received the crown of León, and his older brother Sancho became king in Galicia.
Alfonso IV's Reign and Abdication
Alfonso IV ruled León for a few years. In 931, he made a big decision: he gave up his crown to his brother Ramiro. After this, Alfonso went to live in a religious house, like a monastery.
A Change of Heart
About a year later, Alfonso changed his mind. He decided he no longer wanted to live a religious life. He joined forces with Fruela's sons, Ordoño and Ramiro, to fight against his own brother, King Ramiro II.
However, Alfonso and his allies were defeated. After his defeat, Alfonso was blinded. He was then sent back to a religious house, the cloister of Sahagún, where he later died.
Family Life
Alfonso IV was married to Onneca Sánchez of Pamplona. She was the niece of his ally, King Jimeno Garcés. Onneca was also the daughter of Sancho I of Pamplona and Toda of Navarre.
Alfonso's Children
Alfonso and Onneca had two children. Their son, Ordoño IV of León, later became a king himself. They might have had another son named Fruela. This Fruela was involved in a land dispute during the reign of Ramiro III of León.
See also
In Spanish: Alfonso IV de León para niños
