Alfonso the Slobberer
Alfonso IX was the King of Leon and Galicia during the 12th century. Despite his rather unfortunate nickname, he was a leader that promoted modernization and democratization in his kingdom. His nickname comes from the fact that he at times was subject to fits of rage in which he would foam at the mouth.
He took the throne after the death of his father in 1188. He tried to be good to his people by founding the University of Salamanca. He summoned the first parliament reflecting the full representation of the people that had ever been seen in Western Europe. Alfonso also took part in the Reconquest which covered the area of the Extremadura.
What Alfonso the Slobberer is more remembered for today, other than his nickname, was the fact that he was often at odds with the Pope due to his marriages. His marriage to his first cousin was declared null by the papal legate for consanguinity. He was even excommunicated by the Pope after he invaded Castile with the use of Muslim troops. He further angered the church when he married his first cousin once removed in order to bring unity to Leon and Castile. This marriage was declared invalid by Pope Innocent III, but the pair stayed together for six years and had five children.
His problems with the Pope had little effect on him as his own clergy supported him. When he died in 1230 it brought together the two Kingdoms of Castile and Leon, as his son Ferdinand III of Castile was already sitting on the throne of Castile. Ferdinand’s mother convinced Alfonso’s older daughters to renounce the throne and therefore allow Ferdinand to be crowned King of Leon as well.