Alfonso III of Leon

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Alfonso III (c.838–December 20 c.910), surnamed the Great, was king of León from 866 until his death.

Little is known about Alfonso III except the bare facts of his reign and of his comparative success in consolidating the kingdom known as "of Galicia" or "of Oviedo" during the weakness of the Omayyad princes of Cordova. He ascended the throne in 866, fought against and gained numerous victories over the Moors; the members of his family rose against him and compelled him to abdicate, but on a fresh incursion of the Moors he came forth from his retreat and triumphantly beat them back.

Alfonso died in Zamora, probably in 910. Upon his death his kingdom was divided among his 3 sons. The eldest son, Garcia became king of Leon but died shortly after in 914 without an heir. The second son Ordono reigned Galicia since 910 and León after Garcia's death. The youngest son Fruela received Asturias and became king of Asturias (or Oviedo as the capital was located there). When Ordono died his children were too young to ascend and the territory of Alfonso was once again united under Fruela, but the latter did not enjoy his joint monarchy for long as he as well passed away the next year. Ordono's eldest son Alfonso succeeded him.

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