Sancho Alfónsez facts for kids

Sancho Alfónsez (born around 1093 – died May 29, 1108) was the only son of King Alfonso VI of Castile and León. His mother was a Moorish princess named Zaida. In May 1107, Sancho became his father's official heir, meaning he was next in line to be king. He even helped rule from Toledo. Sadly, he died before his father, killed while trying to escape the Battle of Uclés. This was his first known time fighting in a war. His death caused a big problem over who would rule next. Eventually, his older half-sister Urraca and her husband, Alfonso the Battler, who was already King of Navarre and Aragon, became the rulers of the Kingdom of Castile and León.

Early Life of Prince Sancho

Sancho's mother was Princess Zaida. She was married to Fath al-Mamun, who ruled the area of Córdoba. Zaida's husband died in 1091. King Alfonso VI's relationship with Zaida likely began in late 1091 or 1092. At this time, Alfonso's wife, Queen Constance, was very ill and had not had a son. Queen Constance died in 1093. It is thought that Sancho was born in late 1092 or early 1093. Even though Sancho was not born to a queen, his birth changed who people thought would become king next. Before Sancho was born, some people, like Raymond of Burgundy (the king's son-in-law), had been promised the kingdom.

Around Christmas in 1102, when Sancho was about nine years old, he was likely shown to the public and officially recognized. This meant he was now seen as a possible heir to the throne. A powerful nobleman named Pedro Ansúrez probably supported Sancho's recognition.

Stepping into Public Life (1103-1107)

In January 1103, a church meeting was held where King Alfonso was present. Many people believe that at this meeting, Sancho was named the heir to the kingdom. Sancho's first public appearance was shortly after, in Sahagún. At about ten years old, he signed two important documents on January 25, 1103. He signed as "the infante Sancho, whose father made him confirm [the charter]." An infante is a title for a prince in Spain and Portugal.

After this, Sancho appeared more and more in royal documents. He confirmed many grants and agreements. For example, in March 1104, he confirmed a grant to the bishop of Oviedo. This was also the first time his half-sisters, Sancha and Elvira, appeared in a document. They were the daughters of Alfonso's new queen, Isabel.

In 1105, Sancho continued to witness important documents. He confirmed a grant to the cathedral of Astorga. He then appeared again in March 1106, confirming another grant to the church of Oviedo. It is possible that Sancho was put in charge of Medinaceli, a city Alfonso had conquered in 1104. A document from April 1107 mentions "Sancho, his son, [reigning] in Medinaceli," showing his growing responsibility.

Becoming Heir and His Final Battle (1107-1108)

In May 1107, King Alfonso held a big meeting in León where he officially declared Sancho his heir. On May 14, Alfonso gave the bishop of Santiago de Compostela the right to make coins. Sancho confirmed this, signing for the first time as "made king-elect by his father." This showed he was now officially chosen to be the next king.

On May 27, 1107, Raymond of Burgundy, one of the other people who hoped to be king, died. This made Sancho's position as heir even stronger.

According to historical records, Sancho was put in charge of Toledo by his father, probably in December 1107. He likely traveled south to Toledo in April 1108 to get ready for the summer fighting season. His army was not very large.

In May 1108, a large army of Moors attacked Uclés. They captured the city on May 27, forcing the defenders into the citadel (a strong castle inside the city). Prince Sancho, whose father was in the north of the kingdom, decided to lead a counterattack. This led to the Battle of Uclés. The Christian army was surrounded and defeated. Sancho and his personal guards managed to escape the main fight. He rode his horse to Belinchón, about twenty kilometers away. However, the local Muslims there rose up against him, and he was killed. He died without having any children.

See also

In Spanish: Sancho Alfónsez para niños