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 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 this case his wisdom has been said to have been of so-called sulphuric quality, thus a translation "The Learned" is better in order. 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 June 26 - According to the Brothers Grimm and older sources, in this date the Pied Piper of Hamelin visits the town of Hamelin, resulting in ca. ... A former kingdom of 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 ... Events Alfonso X of Castile, the Wise (el Sabio) Stockholm is founded by Birger Jarl (cf 1854) The widespread usage of torture by the Medieval Inquisition is introduced. ... Events June 26 - According to the Brothers Grimm and older sources, in this date the Pied Piper of Hamelin visits the town of Hamelin, resulting in ca. ... 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". // What is science? There are different theories of what science is. ... Astronomy is one of the few sciences where amateurs can still play an active role, especially in the discovery and monitoring of transient phenomena. ... The Ptolemaic system was a model to explain the motions of the heavens in which the earth was the centre of the universe and all other celestial bodies rotated around it, espoused by Claudius Ptolemaeus in his work, the Almagest some time around the 2nd century, C.E., and accepted... Cosmogony [Gr. ... For other uses, see Arab (disambiguation). ... Alphonsus is an ancient impact crater on Earths Moon that dates from the immediate post-Nectarian era. ... Crust composition Oxygen 43% Silicon 21% Aluminium 10% Calcium 9% Iron 9% Magnesium 5% Titanium 2% Nickel 0. ... Claudius Ptolemaeus, given contemporary German styling, in a 16th century engraved book frontispiece Claudius Ptolemaeus (Greek: Κλαύδιος Πτολεμαῖος; c. ... 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. The façade of Toledo cathedral The largest Toledo in the world is Toledo, Ohio. ... This page lists some links to ancient 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. 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. ... Hohenstaufen was a dynasty of Kings of Germany, many of whom were also crowned Holy Roman Emperor and Dukes of Swabia. ... 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 brother of the emperor Henry VI. He entered the church... Swabia (German Schwabenland) is a historic region in Germany and a language area. ... Conrad IV (April 25, 1228 Andria, Italy - May 21, 1254), Lavello, was king of Jerusalem 1228-1254, Germany 1237-1254, and Sicily 1250-1254. ... Events December 2 - Manfred of Sicily defeats army of Pope Innocent IV at Foggia. ...

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 was the Crown Prince of Castile, eldest son of King Alfonso X of Castile. ... 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... Sancho IV the Brave (1257/58 - April 25, 1295) was a king of Castile and León (1284 - 1295). ... Ferdinand de la Cerda was the Crown Prince of Castile, eldest son of King Alfonso X of Castile. ... Events English conquest of Wales begins under Edward I of England Sicilian Vespers - Sicilians rebel against Charles of Anjou and are aided by Peter III of Aragon Births Pope Innocent VI Deaths August 25 - Thomas Cantilupe, Bishop of Hereford October 13 - Nichiren December 11 - Llywelyn the Last, Prince of Wales...

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. For the terrain type, see: Moor. ... The Giralda Tower Seville (Spanish: Sevilla, see also different names) is the artistic, cultural, and financial capital of southern Spain, crossed by the river Guadalquivir (37° 22′ 38″ N 5° 59′ 13″ W). ...

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. ... The term Virgin Mary has several different meanings: For the historical and multi-denominational concept of Mary, see Mary, the mother of Jesus. ... Galician literature has been developed both in Galician and Spanish. ... 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 of Japan. ... James I of Aragon (Catalan: Jaume I) (Montpellier February 2, 1208 - July 27, 1276), surnamed the Conqueror, was the king of Aragon, count of Barcelona and Lord of Montpellier from 1213 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. Burgos coat of arms A city of northernwestern Spain, at the edge of the central plateau, Burgos has 166,000 inhabitants in the city proper and another 10,000 in its suburbs. ... For broader historical context, see 1250s and 13th century. ... Events June 26 - According to the Brothers Grimm and older sources, in this date the Pied Piper of Hamelin visits the town of Hamelin, resulting in ca. ... Events December 2 - Manfred of Sicily defeats army of Pope Innocent IV at Foggia. ... Events Eric II crowned king of Norway Births Deaths August 22 - Pope Nicholas III November 15 - German philosopher Categories: 1280 ... Ferdinand de la Cerda was the Crown Prince of Castile, eldest son of King Alfonso X of Castile. ... 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. ... Events La Sorbonne, the famous university in Paris, is founded Eutin in Schleswig-Holstein is given its city rights Henry III of England orders the production of a coinage of pure gold location of city Cracow Births Sancho IV king of Castile and León Deaths Pho Khun Si Indrathit... 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... 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). ... Events= February 10 - Mongols overrun Baghdad, burning it to the ground and killing 800,000 citizens Llywelyn the Last declares himself Prince of Wales. ... Events Mongol leader Ghazan Khan is converted to Islam, ending a line of Tantric Buddhist leaders. ... Events= February 10 - Mongols overrun Baghdad, burning it to the ground and killing 800,000 citizens Llywelyn the Last declares himself Prince of Wales. ... August 22 is the 234th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (235th in leap years), with 131 days remaining. ... Events Eric II crowned king of Norway Births Deaths August 22 - Pope Nicholas III November 15 - German philosopher Categories: 1280 ... 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). ... Events June 1 - Treaty of Rheinfelden - Duke Rudolph II of Austria has to waive his right to the Duchies of Austria and Styria Teutonic Knights subjugate Prussia Sopot comes under the control of Gdańsk Gregory Cyprius becomes Patriarch of Constantinople Northern section of the Grand Canal of China is completed... 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. ... Events February 26 - French defeat Germans and Sicilians at Battle of Benevento. ... August 9 is the 221st day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (222nd in leap years), with 144 days remaining. ... Events June 26 - According to the Brothers Grimm and older sources, in this date the Pied Piper of Hamelin visits the town of Hamelin, resulting in ca. ... 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. ...

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.

Categories: Historical stubs | Music stubs | Illuminated manuscripts ...

Ferdinand III, the Saint, (1198/1199 - May 30, 1252) was a king of Castile (1217 - 1252) and Leon (1230 - 1252). ... This is a list of kings and queens of Castile. ... Events Alfonso X of Castile, the Wise (el Sabio) Stockholm is founded by Birger Jarl (cf 1854) The widespread usage of torture by the Medieval Inquisition is introduced. ... Events June 26 - According to the Brothers Grimm and older sources, in this date the Pied Piper of Hamelin visits the town of Hamelin, resulting in ca. ... Sancho IV the Brave (1257/58 - April 25, 1295) was a king of Castile and León (1284 - 1295). ... Count Willem II of Holland Granting Privileges by Caesar van Everdingen (1654) William II of Holland, (February 1228-28 January 1256), was a count of Holland (1235-1256) and king of Germany (1247-1256). ... The following list of German Kings and Emperors is one of several Wikipedia lists of incumbents. ... Events La Sorbonne, the famous university in Paris, is founded Eutin in Schleswig-Holstein is given its city rights Henry III of England orders the production of a coinage of pure gold location of city Cracow Births Sancho IV king of Castile and León Deaths Pho Khun Si Indrathit... Events St. ... The brass of the tomb of Rudolph I in Speyer Rudolph I (Rudolph of Hapsburg) (May 1, 1218 - July 15, 1291) was a German king. ...