Alfonso X

Lore & Background

Alfonso's scientific interests—he is sometimes nicknamed the Astrologer (el Astrólogo)—led him to sponsor the creation of the Alfonsine tables, and the Alphonsus crater on the Moon is named after him. He also sponsored the work of historians who, for the first time since Isidore of Seville in c. 600, placed Spain in the context of world history. As a lawmaker he introduced the first vernacular law code in Castile, the Siete Partidas. He granted extensive privileges to the Mesta, an existing association of sheep farmers in the central plain, but debased the coinage to finance his claim to the German crown. He fought a successful war with Portugal, but a less successful one with Granada. The end of his reign was marred by a civil war with his eldest surviving son, the future Sancho IV, which continued after his death.

In Their Own Story

The candlelight flickers across the heavy parchment of the Siete Partidas as Alfonso X paces the stone floor of his palace in Seville. Outside, the distant sound of marching troops echoes against the walls—a reminder that peace is fragile. He pauses to look at the map of Iberia, tracing the border with Granada, knowing that while his mind seeks knowledge, his kingdom demands conquest. In 1261 he captured Jerez. In 1263 he returned Algarve to the King of Portugal and signed the Treaty of Badajoz (1267). Yet tonight, the ink is mightier than the sword—at least until dawn, when the emir's envoys arrive with terms he cannot accept. His eldest son Ferdinand died in 1275 at the Battle of Écija against Moroccan and Granadan invasion armies, leaving two infant sons. His second son Sancho claimed to be the new heir, and a bitter civil war broke out, forcing Alfonso in 1282 to accept Sancho as his heir instead of his young grandsons. Only the cities of Seville, Murcia and Badajoz remained faithful to him.

Reader's Guide

Alfonso X succeeded his father as King of Castile and León in 1252. The following year he invaded Portugal, capturing the Algarve. King Afonso III of Portugal surrendered, but later reached an agreement to marry Alfonso's daughter Beatrice, and the captured land would be returned to their heirs. In 1263 Alfonso returned Algarve to Portugal and signed the Treaty of Badajoz (1267). In 1254 he signed a treaty of alliance with Henry III of England, and his half-sister Eleanor married Henry's son Edward, with which Alfonso renounced all claim to the Duchy of Gascony. In 1256, on the death of William II of Holland, Alfonso's descent from the Hohenstaufen gave him a claim to the German crown. He was elected German king by prince-electors but never traveled to Germany. His rival Richard of Cornwall was crowned in 1257 at Aachen. To obtain money, Alfonso debased the coinage and attempted to prevent a rise in prices by an arbitrary tariff. His nobles rebelled in 1272, but reconciliation was brought about by his son Ferdinand in 1273. After Richard of Cornwall's death, the German princes elected Rudolph of Habsburg (1273), and Alfonso was declared deposed by Pope Gregory X. In 1275, after long negotiation, Alfonso orally renounced his claims to the Holy Roman Empire. His eldest son Ferdinand died in 1275 at the Battle of Écija. Alfonso's second son Sancho claimed to be the new heir, leading to a bitter civil war. Alfonso was forced in 1282 to accept Sancho as his heir. He died at Seville in 1284, leaving a will that endeavored to exclude Sancho. In 1273 he created the Mesta, an association of some 3,000 sheep holders, in reaction to less wool being exported from England. He began the Siete Partidas law code, which was only promulgated by his great-grandson.

Did You Know?

• Alfonso X is sometimes nicknamed the Astrologer (el Astrólogo).
• The Alphonsus crater on the Moon is named after him.
• He sponsored the creation of the Alfonsine tables.
• He introduced the first vernacular law code in Castile, the Siete Partidas.
• He granted extensive privileges to the Mesta, an existing association of sheep farmers, in 1273.