Alfonso X and his court.

Alfonso X, El Sabio, the Learned, the Astronomer, or the Wise (November 23, 1221 – April 4, 1284) was a king of Galicia, Castile and León (1252 - 1284). He is perhaps the most interesting, though far from the most capable, of the Spanish kings of the Middle Ages. His nickname "El Sabio" usually means "the Wise", but in his case, a translation "The Learned" is more accurate. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1447x864, 171 KB)Alfonso X of Castile from the Libro des Juegas. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1447x864, 171 KB)Alfonso X of Castile from the Libro des Juegas. ... November 23 is the 327th day of the year (328th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 38 days remaining. ... Centuries: 12th century - 13th century - 14th century Decades: 1170s 1180s 1190s 1200s 1210s - 1220s - 1230s 1240s 1250s 1260s 1270s Years: 1216 1217 1218 1219 1220 - 1221 - 1222 1223 1224 1225 1226 See also: 1221 state leaders Events May 13 - End of the reign of Emperor Juntoku of Japan Emperor Chukyo... April 4 is the 94th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (95th in leap years). ... // Events War and politics King Charles II of Naples is captured in a naval battle off Naples by Roger of Lauria, admiral to King Peter III of Aragon. ... Galicia (Spain) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ... A former kingdom of modern day Spain, Castile comprises the two regions of Old Castile in north-western Spain, and New Castile in the centre of the country. ... Categories: Spain geography stubs | Castile-Leon | Provinces of Spain ... For broader historical context, see 1250s and 13th century. ... // Events War and politics King Charles II of Naples is captured in a naval battle off Naples by Roger of Lauria, admiral to King Peter III of Aragon. ... The Middle Ages formed the middle period in a traditional schematic division of European history into three ages: the classical civilization of Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and modern times, beginning with the Renaissance. ...

He was a writer, and he had considerable scientific fame, based mainly on his encouragement of astronomy and the Ptolemaic cosmogony as known to him through the Arabs. The Alphonsus crater on the Moon is named after him. After hearing an explanation about Ptolemy's theory of epicycles he is credited to have said: "If the Lord Almighty had consulted me before embarking on creation I should have recommended something simpler". Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Science For the scientific journal named Science, see Science (journal). ... Lunar astronomy: the large crater is Daedalus, photographed by the crew of Apollo 11 as they circled the Moon in 1969. ... Mediaeval drawing of the Ptolemaic system. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... For other uses, see Arab (disambiguation). ... Alphonsus is an ancient impact crater on Earths Moon that dates from the immediate post-Nectarian era. ... Bulk composition of the moons mantle and crust estimated, weight percent Oxygen 42. ... Claudius Ptolemaeus (Greek: ; ca. ... In the Ptolemaic system of astronomy, the epicycle (literally: on the cycle in Greek) was a geometric model to explain the variations in speed and direction of the apparent motion of the Moon, Sun, and planets. ...

He established at Toledo a translation school that did a great work increasing the flow of knowledge into Christian Europe. Much of it was based on Ancient philosophy. His fame also connects itself with the preparation of the Alfonsine tables. This article is about the city in Spain named Toledo. ... This page lists some links to ancient philosophy, although for Western thinkers prior to Socrates, see Pre-Socratic philosophy. ... The Alfonsine tables were astronomical tables drawn up at Toledo by order of Alfonso X in 1252 to correct the anomalies in the Ptolemaic tables; they divided the year into 365 days, 5 hours, 49 minutes, 16 seconds. ...

As a ruler he showed legislative capacity, and a very commendable wish to provide his kingdoms with a code of laws and a consistent judicial system. The Fuero Real was undoubtedly his work, and he began the code called the Siete Partidas, which, however, was only promulgated by his great-grandson. Alfonso was the first king who initiated the use of Castellano (Spanish) instead of Latin as the language of culture (culture referring to the language used in courts, churches, and in books and official documents). He lacked the singleness of purpose required by a ruler who would devote himself to organization, and also the combination of firmness with temper needed for dealing with his nobles. His descent from the Hohenstaufen through his mother, a daughter of the emperor Philip of Swabia, gave him claims to represent the Swabian line. Being elected by the German electors, after the death of Conrad IV in 1254, misled him into wild schemes which never took effect but caused immense expense. To obtain money he debased the coinage, and then endeavoured to prevent a rise in prices by an arbitrary tariff. The little trade of his dominions was ruined, and the burghers and peasants were deeply offended. His nobles, whom he tried to cow by sporadic acts of violence, rebelled against him. Fuero Real is a historical document that was drafted by Alfonso X of Castile between 1252 and 1284. ... This article is about the international language known as Spanish. ... Latin is an ancient Indo-European language originally spoken in the region around Rome called Latium. ... Arms of the Hohenstaufen The Hohenstaufen were a dynasty of Kings of Germany, many of whom were also crowned Holy Roman Emperor and Dukes of Swabia. ... Philip of Swabia depicted in a medieval manuscript (about 1200) Philip of Swabia (1177-1208), German king and duke of Swabia, the rival of the emperor Otto IV, was the fifth and youngest son of the emperor Frederick I and Beatrix, daughter of Renaud III, count of Burgundy, and consequently... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Conrad IV (April 25, 1228 Andria, Italy - May 21, 1254), Lavello, was king of Jerusalem 1228-1254, Germany 1237-1254, and Sicily 1250-1254. ... For broader historical context, see 1250s and 13th century. ...

Alfonso's eldest son, Ferdinand de la Cerda, died in 1275, leaving two infant sons. Alfonso's second son, Sancho, claimed to be the new heir, in preference to the children of Ferdinand de la Cerda, basing his claim on an old Castilian custom. Alfonso preferred to leave the throne to his grandsons, but Sancho had the support of the nobility. A bitter civil war broke out, but in 1282 Alfonso was forced to accept Sancho as his heir in preference to his young grandsons. Ferdinand de la Cerda (1253-1275) was the Crown Prince of Castile, eldest son of King Alfonso X of Castile and Violante of Aragon. ... Events Eleanor de Montfort is captured by pirates in the employ of Edward I of England to prevent her marriage to Llywelyn the Last, prince of Jews over the age of 7 to wear the yellow badge and makes usury illegal Jean de Meun writes the second portion of the... Statue of Sancho IV of Castile and León Sancho IV the Brave (1257/58 – April 25, 1295) was a king of Castile and León (1284 - 1295). ... Ferdinand de la Cerda (1253-1275) was the Crown Prince of Castile, eldest son of King Alfonso X of Castile and Violante of Aragon. ... For broader historical context, see 1280s and 13th century. ...

Son and nobles alike supported the Moors, when he tried to unite the nation in a crusade; and when he allied himself with the rulers of Morocco they denounced him as an enemy of the faith. A reaction in his favour was beginning in his later days, but he died defeated and deserted at Seville, leaving a will by which he endeavoured to exclude Sancho and a heritage of civil war. The Moors were the medieval Muslim inhabitants of al-Andalus (the Iberian Peninsula including the present day Spain and Portugal) and the Maghreb, whose culture is often called Moorish. A usual misconception is to relate them to the inhabitants of modern day Mauritania to which they are only related by... Seville (Spanish: Sevilla, see also different names) is the artistic, cultural, and financial capital of southern Spain, crossed by the river Guadalquivir (, ). It is the capital of Andalusia and of the province of Sevilla. ...

In addition to his other achievements, Alfonso X commissioned or co-authored numerous works during his reign, including the Cantigas de Santa Maria (400+ songs mentioning the Virgin Mary, Galician-Portuguese), Cantigas d'escarnio e maldicer (also in Galician) and the Libro de los juegos, or "Book of Games". Categories: Historical stubs | Music stubs | Illuminated manuscripts ... Medieval music is music of Europe in the Middle Ages. ... Saint Mary and Saint Mary the Virgin both redirect here. ... Galician literature has been developed both in Galician and Spanish. ... Galician (Galego) is a language variety of the Western Ibero-Romance branch, spoken in Galicia (in the Galician language, Galicia or Galiza), an autonomous community in northwestern Spain. ... The Libro de los Juegos, (Book of games), or Libro de ajedrez, dados y tablas, (Book of chess, dice and tables) was commissioned by Alfonso X, king of León and Castile, during the 13th century between 1251 and 1283 AD. It consists of 98 pages, with 150 color illustrations. ...

Family

In 1246, Alfonso X married Violante of Aragon, the daughter of King James I of Aragon and Yolande of Hungary. Because of her young age (Violante was only 10-years-old at the time of the marriage) she produced no children for several years and it was feared that she was barren. Alfonso almost had their marriage annulled, but they went on to have twelve children: Events End of the reign of Emperor Go-Saga, emperor of Japan. ... James I of Aragon (Catalan: Jaume I, Spanish: Jaime I) (Montpellier February 2, 1208 – July 27, 1276), surnamed the Conqueror, was the king of Aragon, count of Barcelona and Lord of Montpellier from 1219 to 1276. ...

1. Fernando, died in infancy, and buried at Las Huelgas in Burgos.
2. Berengaria of Castile (October or November 1253-after 1284). She was betrothed to Louis, the son and heir of King Louis IX of France, but her fiance died prematurely in 1260. She entered the convent at Las Huelgas, where she was living in 1284.
3. Beatriz of Castile (November or December 1254-1280). She married William V of Montferrat.
4. Ferdinand de la Cerda (October 23, 1255-July 25, 1275). He married Blanche, the daughter of King Louis IX of France, by whom he had two children. Because he predeceased his father, his younger brother Sancho inherited the throne.
5. Leonor of Castile (1257-1275)
6. Sancho IV of Castile (May 13, 1258-1295)
7. Constanza of Castile (1258-August 22, 1280), a nun at Las Huelgas.
8. Pedro of Castile (June 1260-October 10, 1283)
9. Juan of Castile (March or April, 1262-June 25, 1319).
10. Isabella, died young.
11. Violante of Castile (1265-1296). She married Diego Lopez de Haro
12. Jaime of Castile (August 1266-August 9, 1284)

Alfonso X also had several illegitimate children. His illegitimate daughter, Beatriz, married King Alfonso III of Portugal. An illegitimate son, Martin, was Abbot of Valladolid. The cathedral Our Lady of Burgos. ... For broader historical context, see 1250s and 13th century. ... // Events War and politics King Charles II of Naples is captured in a naval battle off Naples by Roger of Lauria, admiral to King Peter III of Aragon. ... For broader historical context, see 1250s and 13th century. ... For broader historical context, see 1280s and 13th century. ... William V of Montferrat (occ. ... Ferdinand de la Cerda (1253-1275) was the Crown Prince of Castile, eldest son of King Alfonso X of Castile and Violante of Aragon. ... October 23 is the 296th day of the year (297th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 69 days remaining. ... Events Königsberg was founded Births Emperor Albert I of Germany, in July Deaths Monarchs/Presidents Aragon - James I King of Aragon and count of Barcelona (reigned from 1213 to 1276) Categories: 1255 ... July 25 is the 206th day (207th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar, with 159 days remaining. ... Events Eleanor de Montfort is captured by pirates in the employ of Edward I of England to prevent her marriage to Llywelyn the Last, prince of Jews over the age of 7 to wear the yellow badge and makes usury illegal Jean de Meun writes the second portion of the... Only representation of Saint Louis known to be true to life - Early 14th century statue from the church of Mainneville, Eure, France King Louis IX of France or Saint Louis (April 25, 1214/1215 – August 25, 1270) was King of France from 1226 until his death. ... For broader historical context, see 1250s and 13th century. ... Events Eleanor de Montfort is captured by pirates in the employ of Edward I of England to prevent her marriage to Llywelyn the Last, prince of Jews over the age of 7 to wear the yellow badge and makes usury illegal Jean de Meun writes the second portion of the... Statue of Sancho IV of Castile and León Sancho IV the Brave (1257/58 – April 25, 1295) was a king of Castile and León (1284 - 1295). ... May 13 is the 133rd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (134th in leap years). ... For broader historical context, see 1250s and 13th century. ... Events Mongol leader Ghazan Khan is converted to Islam, ending a line of Tantric Buddhist leaders. ... For broader historical context, see 1250s and 13th century. ... August 22 is the 234th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (235th in leap years), with 131 days remaining. ... For broader historical context, see 1280s and 13th century. ... Events End of the reign of Emperor Go-Fukakusa of Japan Emperor Kameyama ascends to the throne of Japan September 3 - Mongols defeated by Mameluks at Battle of Ain Jalut Samogatians and Curonians defeats Teutonic knights in Battle of Durbe Births Maximus Planudes, Byzantine grammarian and theologian Deaths Monarchs/Presidents... October 10 is the 283rd day of the year (284th in Leap years). ... For broader historical context, see 1280s and 13th century. ... Events Strasbourg becomes a Free City of the Holy Roman Empire First Visconti become the lord of Iceland swear fealty to the king of Norway, bringing an end to the Icelandic Commonwealth Births Ladislaus IV of Hungary Deaths Monarchs/Presidents Aragon - James I King of Aragon and count of Barcelona... June 25 is the 176th day of the year (177th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 189 days remaining. ... Events Magnus VII ascends the throne of Norway and unites the country with Sweden. ... For broader historical context, see 1260s and 13th century. ... August 9 is the 221st day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (222nd in leap years), with 144 days remaining. ... // Events War and politics King Charles II of Naples is captured in a naval battle off Naples by Roger of Lauria, admiral to King Peter III of Aragon. ... Afonso III of Portugal (the Burgundian), fifth king of Portugal, was born in Coimbra in May 5, 1210 and died in February 16, 1279, in the same city. ...

Additional notes

A portrait of Alfonso X hangs in the chamber of the United States House of Representatives. The chamber of the United States House of Representatives is located in the south wing of the Capitol building, in Washington, D.C.. This photograph shows a rare glimpse of the four vote tallying boards (the blackish squares across the top), which display each members name and vote as...

Sources

• Ballesteros-Beretta, Antonio. Alfonso X el Sabio, 1963

External links

• http://www.pbm.com/~lindahl/cantigas/ Cantigas de Santa Maria (facsimile and more)
• http://games.rengeekcentral.com/ Libro de los juegos (illustrations and info)
• http://www.ahs.uwaterloo.ca/~museum/Alfonso/index.html Libro de los juegos, more illustrations and info
• http://www.u.arizona.edu/~smusser/ljtranslation.html Libro de los juegos, partial translation.