León (Of Lions and Falcons)

The Kingdom of León is an independent kingdom situated in the northwest region of the Iberian Peninsula. The Kingdom of Galicia is dynastically united with Leon.

History
The Kingdom of Leon was founded in 910 when the Christian princes of Asturias along the northern coast of the peninsula shifted their capital from Oviedo to the city of León. The County of Portugal separated to become the independent Kingdom of Portugal in 1139. Briefly united with Castile in 1065–1109 and 1126–1157.

After the defeat of Alfonso VIII of Castile at the Battle of Alarcos (1195), Alfonso IX proceed to invade Castile with the aid of Muslim troops. However he had to return the lands he had gained. In 1212 notably absent were the Kings of León and Portugal, however they allowed their vassals to join the battle. The defeat of Las Navas de Tolosa and death of Alfonso VII gave the opportunity to Alfonso IX to proceed to retrieve by the arms what he considered his in Castile. However Castile under the regency of Queen Eleanor Plantaganet engaged in a series of skirmishes to defend its possessions (The Castilian-Leonese Wars).

Kings of Leon
Oficial title Rex Legionis et Gallecie (King of León and Galicia)'
 * ... (House of Burgundy)
 * Alfonso IX (1171 – 1230) Reign 1188-1230