García I of León facts for kids

Quick facts for kids García I
18th-century statue in Madrid
King of León
Reign	910–914
Predecessor	Alfonso III
Successor	Ordoño II
Born	c. 871
Died	c. 914
Burial	Cathedral of San Salvador, Oviedo
Consort	Muniadona
Dynasty	Astur-Leonese dynasty
Father	Alfonso III of Asturias
Mother	Jimena of Pamplona
Religion	Roman Catholicism
Signature

García I (born around 871, died 914) was a king of León. He ruled from 910 until his death. He was the oldest of three sons of King Alfonso III the Great and Queen Jimena.

Becoming King

García helped his father, King Alfonso III, rule the kingdom until the year 909. Around that time, a secret plan was discovered. García was involved in this plan. Because of this, King Alfonso III decided to give up his throne.

He divided his kingdom among his three sons. García became the King of León. His brother Ordoño became King of Galicia. Their youngest brother, Fruela, became King of Asturias. Even though the kingdom was split, Asturias was still seen as the most important part.

King García's Rule

During García's time as king, he focused on making his kingdom stronger. He worked to protect the lands around the Duero River. This involved building up defenses and making sure the area was safe.

Important Projects

King García also helped to "repopulate" certain areas. This means he encouraged people to move to and settle in towns that had been empty or had few people. These towns included Roa, Osma, Clunia, and San Esteban de Gormaz.

During these efforts, a powerful noble named Gonzalo Fernández, who was the count of Castile, became very important. He gained a lot of influence by helping with these projects.

His Family

King García I was married to a woman named Muniadona. Some historical records suggest she was the daughter of a man named Nuño Fernández. However, this doesn't quite fit with the dates. Another idea is that she was the daughter of Munio Núñez. He was important for helping to repopulate Roa and was also a count of Castile. It's possible she was the same Muniadona who later married another count, Ferdinand Ansúrez of Castile.

King García I died in Zamora in 914. He did not have any children to take his place. So, after his death, his kingdom of León passed to his brother, Ordoño.

See also

In Spanish: García I de León para niños