Alfonso III.

Alfonso III., surnamed THE GREAT, king of Leon, Asturias, and Galicia, succeeded his father, Ordoño, in 866. After reducing to obedience his jealous and factious nobles, he turned his arms against other enemies, fought through more than thirty campaigns and gained numerous victories over the Moors, occupied Coimbra, and extended his territory as far as Portugal and Old Castile. But these constant wars entailed great expense and misery on his subjects, and resulted, in 888, in a popular rising, at the head of which was Alfonso's own son Garcias. But the active king quickly crushed the rebels, and threw his son into prison. A second conspiracy, instigated by the queen, was more successful, and Alfonso was obliged to abdicate the throne, and divide his territory among his three sons. But once again the old hero was called upon to save his country, and lead its armies against the invading Moors. After returning in triumph, he died at Zamora, 910.