Becoming Alfonso VI: the king, his sister and the "arca santa" reliquary
Rose Walker
Alfonso VI became the ruler of a vast kingdom and far outstripped his predecessors in extent sway. Yet few would have predicted this at birth c.1040. A series events between that moment triumph 1072 shaped king was to rule reunited Leon, Castile Galicia, from 1085 Toledo. His parents, Fernando I Sancha, defined him by giving name, Adefonsus. Even more than family names Sancho Garcia were given brothers, Adefonsus came with legacy, material immaterial. It not surprising choice name as it maternal grandfather, V, King Leon. Before ancestor IV, had been two most successful early kings Asturias, II III. Both become symbols ideal kingship: celebrated for piety purity, whilst III’s reputation rested on conquests. The Cronica de III attributed ‘the great king’, II, building basilica San Salvador Oviedo, its groups six altars dedicated apostles, well church Virgin. acknowledged restorer churches builder palaces but paean him, recorded Albeldense, concentrated first manly virtues praised being ‘illustrious amongst Asturians, strong amid Vascones, vengeful Arabs protective citizens’. nonetheless careful recognise victories holy they prince (princeps) through aid Christ, leader guide (dux). These eponymous ancestors surely heavy burden small child also an inspirational one.
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