Alfonso I of Asturias (693-757) was the third king of Asturias from 739 to 757, succeeding Favila of Asturias and preceding Fruela I of Asturias. He was one of the most important leaders of the Reconquista, conquering Galicia and Leon from the Moors and leading his armies as far south as La Rioja.
Biography[]
Alfonso was the son of Duke Petro of Asturias de Santillana, and was a member of the Christian Visigothic House of de Cantabria. Alfonso married Ermesinda, the daughter of Pelayo of Asturias, who was the first king of Asturias. Alfonso succeeded his brother-in-law Favila of Asturias as king upon his death in 739, and he began a lifelong war against the Moors. In 740 he conquered Galicia and seized Leon in 754, going as far as La Rioja. The Christians of the newly-conquered regions mainly fled north, depopulating a new buffer zone between the Christians and Muslims that became known as the "Desert of the Duero". The rulers of Asturias became known as the "Beni-Alfons" by the Muslims, meaning "Children of Alfonso". He died in 757, and was succeeded by Fruela I of Asturias.