Alfonso VIII

views updated May 29 2018

Alfonso VIII ( the Noble) (1155–1214) King of Castile (1158–1214), son of Sancho III. He took personal control of his kingdom in 1166 and at first opposed both Moors and fellow Christian kings. In 1212 Alfonso forged a coalition with the Christian kings and won an important victory against the Almohads at Las Navas de Tolosa. He married Eleanor, daughter of Henry I of England.

More From encyclopedia.com