Peter of Cantabria facts for kids
Peter (pronounced PEE-ter) was an important leader known as the Duke of Cantabria. He lived a long time ago and passed away around the year 730.
Historians aren't completely sure about Peter's parents. Some old writings suggest he came from the family lines of ancient kings named Liuvigild and Reccared I. However, this idea might have been created later to help his children claim the throne. What we do know for sure is that Peter was the father of Alfonso I, who later became a king. He was also the father of Fruela of Cantabria, whose sons, Aurelius and Bermudo I, also became kings.
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Life and Leadership
Peter was a powerful leader in the region of Cantabria. Around the year 714, a Muslim army led by Musa ibn Nusair attacked and took over Amaya, which was the capital of Cantabria. This was the second time Amaya had been attacked.
To keep his people safe, Duke Peter led them to hide in the mountains. Around the same time, another local noble named Pelayo of Asturias started a fight against the Berber soldiers who were controlling the mountain passes in nearby Asturias.
Joining Forces
Duke Peter and other leaders from western Galicia decided to support Pelayo. They chose Peter's son, Alfonso, to be their new leader, or Princeps, to fight against the common enemy. Some historians think Pelayo might have been a relative of Peter. They believe Pelayo was defending the western part of the Duchy of Cantabria.
No matter their exact relationship, Cantabria and Asturias soon joined together as one kingdom.
After the Battle of Covadonga
After the famous Battle of Covadonga, Pelayo managed to push the governor, Munuza, out of Asturias. It seems that Peter then sent his son Alfonso to live at Pelayo's court in Cangas de Onís. Sending noble children to the royal court was a common practice among the Visigothic people. This showed that Peter accepted Pelayo as a true king.
The lands of Peter and Pelayo were officially united through a marriage. Peter's son, Alfonso, married Pelayo's daughter, Ermesinda. This marriage was a very important event for the future of the kingdom.
Alfonso Becomes King
Later, Alfonso became the ruler of Asturias. He was the first leader to officially use the title of "king." Muslim scholars in Iberia called his descendants the Beni Alfons (which means "sons of Alfonso"). Today, they are more commonly known as the Astur-Leonese dynasty.
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