Alfonso X

Lore & Background

Alfonso X's historical portrayal emphasizes his scientific interests—he is sometimes nicknamed the Astrologer (el Astrólogo)—and his sponsorship 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 Siete Partidas, the first vernacular law code in Castile. He created the Mesta in 1273, an association of some 3,000 sheep holders, in reaction to less wool being exported from England. To obtain money for his imperial ambitions, he debased the coinage and then endeavored to prevent a rise in prices by an arbitrary tariff. The little trade that took place in his dominions was ruined, and the burghers and peasants were deeply offended. His nobles rebelled against him in 1272, with reconciliation brought about by his son Ferdinand in 1273. 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. He died defeated and deserted at Seville in 1284.

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

However, his historical reign offers lessons for players who later control Castile. His creation of the Mesta in 1273—an association of some 3,000 sheep holders—eventually became exceedingly powerful, as wool became Castile's first major exportable commodity. One side effect of the quickly expanding sheep herds was the decimation to Castilian farmland through which the sheep grazed. His legislative activity produced the Fuero Real and the Siete Partidas, which, though thwarted by the nobility of Castile, was only promulgated by his great-grandson. The Partidas remain fundamental law in the American Southwest, and he is one of the 23 lawmakers depicted in the House of Representatives chamber of the United States Capitol. Players should note that Alfonso's debasement of the coinage to finance his claim to the German crown ruined trade and offended burghers and peasants—a cautionary tale about overextension. His civil war with Sancho IV, which continued after his death, underscores the importance of stable succession.

Did You Know?

• Alfonso X is sometimes nicknamed the Astrologer (el Astrólogo) because of his scientific interests, and the Alphonsus crater on the Moon is named after him.
• He sponsored the creation of the Alfonsine tables, a set of astronomical tables.
• He introduced the first vernacular law code in Castile, the Siete Partidas, which remains fundamental law in the American Southwest.
• He created the Mesta in 1273, an association of some 3,000 sheep holders, in reaction to less wool being exported from England.
• He renounced his claim to the German crown in 1275 after being declared deposed by Pope Gregory X.