King Alfonso VII was born into a royal family; when he was only nine, his mother died, and he was crowned king. He was responsible for leading, protecting, commanding, and accumulating wealth for his people. Luckily, the people were Christians who lived a life devoted to God, their land, and the king. Moreover, Alfonso VII was surrounded by the royal consul, religious men, the princess, and his wife, who gave him advice on essential matters. Thus, when it was time for battles with the Portuguese and the King of Aragon, he was well-prepared with an equipped and obedient military. He led his people through many seasons and is remembered for his wisdom and for making the state succeed. Although he was young at the time of enthronement, Alfonso VII is one of the greatest kings who recognized the role of God and wise counsel in building a strong kingdom.
The people were Catholic Christians, as evident in the belief that God brought them salvation through Jesus Christ and their church is called Holy Mary (Lipskey 1). Moreover, the king enjoyed mass support from his subjects, who participated when the king assaulted and captured the rebels at the towers. They did what was in the best interest of their king because they saw him as their natural leader. For example, the citizens of Burgos, Carrion, and Villafranca ask ambassadors to tell the king to reclaim their city. When one Aragonese knight declined, they killed him and captured his castle for the king. On rare occasions, as was after the death of the Aragon king, the people exercised political rights by electing the next king and giving him a wife (Liskey 11). They celebrated all the wins of their king, stayed obedient, and worked in a way that enhanced stability.
The society was a monarchial kingdom ruled by either a king or a queen, depending on the closest next of kin. For instance, King Alfonso VII started his reign after the death of Queen Urraca, who was the daughter of King Alfonso VI (Lipskey 1). The king was born royalty and received the honor of a king right from birth. The king can give people honors by appointing them as counts or consuls and assigning them other noble roles. There was not a gap in the throne as the next in line was given the crown regardless of their age. After the death of his mother, King Alfonso VII was made king while he was only nine years and yet to get married. Moreover, the throne and the entire kingdom were inherited and passed down from one generation to another and were supposed to be the wealth of the one who sits on the throne.
One of the royal duties of the king was holding peace talks and declaring war whenever there were rebels or enemies to contend with. For instance, King Alfonso made peace with Queen Teresa of Portuguese and Fernando for a definite time. The king was admired for protecting the people under his kingdom and had the power to send away those who disgraced the kingdom. A good example is when Pedro Diaz asked the king to allow him to withdraw from the battle. His wish was granted, and then he was exiled and died poor, unprotected, and without a king (Lipskey 5). After the death of the Aragon king and the invasion of the infidels, the Christians cried, saying they were left defenseless and without protection (Lipskey 11). Moreover, the king ensures that he accumulates more wealth and makes the kingdom rich, just like King Alfonso VII. His qualities were decisiveness, religion, authority, and strength.
The king acted by consulting with other nobles and trusted advisers. For example, when the king of Aragon asked that he be granted a peaceful journey and he would not plunder any of the neighboring regions and would give back the inheritance, King Alfonso VII consulted the palace nobles (Lipskey 3). Furthermore, the king consulted the religious leaders and depended on their prayers to succeed in battles and govern.
The commander in chief of the military was the king, who determined the actions by either declaring war or agreeing to form a peace treaty whenever there was contention with other kingdoms. In one instance, King Alfonso VII ordered Count Rodrigo and Onsorio to Attack Pedro Dias for his rebellion in Valle. The military followed the orders of the king in their engagement in battles. Whenever they conquered another kingdom, they would seize it and give it to the king. Consequently, they had a significant role in expanding the kingdom, amassing land, and accumulating resources.
The people are religious and believe in God and salvation through Jesus Christ. There are other religious practices that they routinely do as their faith demands. The religious leaders, such as the bishops, accompanied the king during battles as they believed that when the ruler had the backing of the Lord (God), he was sure to win in battles. There were religious objects that aided the people and royalties, such as the cross, relics of the Holy Mary, the ark, and the boxes (Lipskey 11). The bishops, clergy, and monks welcomed the king and people in the church and read them the word of God. When the infidels were winning over the clergy, all Christians started praying to God, but he did not hear or send angels Gabriel or Michael with any reports or assistance (Lipskey 11). The implication is that God was allowing the outcome of the war despite their religious practice.
The royal women had gender equality with their male counterparts, as evident by the leader of Leon being either a king or a queen. Women who were close to the king were some of his most trusted advisors. After marriage, King Alfonse consulted his wife on every matter and would then ask his sister to give him advice (Lipskey 3). In addition, the women played the role of giving birth and taking care of the children. At one point, King Alfonso VIII brought an extremely beautiful noble as his concubine and had a girl child with her (Lipskey 7). He then gave the baby to Princess Sancha for nursing and education.
In conclusion, King Alfonso VII became great because he was wise to listen to the royalties and honor God. He led people who loved and obeyed him, and the kingdom thrived amidst many battles. The kingdom is a perfect example of success achieved through teamwork. The religious leaders and people prayed for success, the women kept home and raised children, the warriors fought battles, and the king led with prudence. The result was a strong kingdom whose legendary acts are written in chronicles that continue to inspire many people.
Work Cited
Lipskey, Glenn E., (translator). “The Chronicles of Alfonso VII the Emperor.” The Library of Iberian Resources Online, pp.1-28.