Aurelius of Asturias facts for kids

Aurelius (also known as Aurelio in Spanish) was the King of Asturias from 768 until his death in 774. He was born around the year 740.

Aurelius was the son of Fruela of Cantabria. This made him the nephew of Alfonso I of Asturias. He was also a cousin to the king before him, Fruela the Cruel. His brother, Bermudo I, later became king from 789 to 791.

Aurelius's Time as King

Aurelius became king because the Asturian nobility chose him. This happened after his cousin, King Fruela, was killed. Aurelius was likely crowned in a place called Sama.

His time as king was mostly peaceful and quiet. Old records from that time don't mention much happening during his reign. This suggests there were no major wars or big problems.

A Revolt is Stopped

The only important event mentioned was a rebellion by serfs. Serfs were like farmers who were tied to the land and had to work for powerful landowners. King Aurelius successfully stopped this uprising. We don't know exactly where this happened. However, it was the first time a revolt against powerful landowners was recorded in the history of the Iberian Peninsula.

Peace with Neighbors

It is believed that Aurelius made peace with the Muslim rulers to the south. He did this by arranging marriages between families. This was a common way to create peace back then. A legend says this led to the name of a place called El Entrego. Today, this area is part of San Martín del Rey Aurelio.

Aurelius likely lived in the area of San Martín del Rey Aurelio. This place was probably the main capital of Asturias during his reign. After ruling for six years, Aurelius died there in 774. He passed away from natural causes. The old records do not say if King Aurelius had a wife or children. After him, his cousin-in-law, Silo, became king. Silo was married to Alfonso I's daughter, Adosinda.

Burial place

Historians are not completely sure where Aurelius was buried. Old Asturian records tell different stories. Some say he was buried near where he lived in the Valley of Langreo. This would be in the Church of San Martín de Tours in San Martín del Rey Aurelio. There is a tomb there that says "Rey Aurelio" (King Aurelius).

However, a book from the 13th century, the Estoria de España, says Aurelius was buried in Cangas de Onís. Another historian, Esteban de Garibay, believed Aurelius was buried next to his father, Fruela of Cantabria. This was in a church that no longer exists in Yanguas, in the Province of Soria.

See also

In Spanish: Aurelio de Asturias para niños