The Iberian Crusades IV: A vision in Galicia and Afonso III of Astúrias
In the last post see here I showed how the Christian forces were able to organize themselves under Afonso I in Asturias and expand to the territory with little Muslim presence, mostly Galicia.
In the IX century during the reign of Afonso II in the year 822 a revelation happens that will change Galicia history forever, this revelation takes place in the small congregation of Iria. In this year a hermit man suddenly sees the Sun spinning in the sky! He follows the light of the spinning Sun into an open field where the hermit will stay for 3 days fasting after which he decides to call the bishop!
After the visit to the place the Bishop finds relics in the open field and comes to an astounding conclusion, this relics and place are of Saint Tiago, the Apostle of Jesus!
The King at the time, Afonso II orders the construction of a place of worship where the relics were found, and next Afonso III also orders the construction of a new and bigger building.
Modern day temple in Santiago de Compostela
Today archeology tells us that in the small place of Iria there was once a roman villa. If this place was the final resting place of Apostle Tiago, nobody knows...
Afonso III 866-910
Medieval painting with Afonso III
Many historians believe Afonso III reign was a turning point in Iberian history, he orders the creation of chronicles which will legitimate is reign and is descendence from genealogy. Furthermore this chronicles (Albeldense, of Afonso III, Profética) creates a speech that defends the reconquest of the lands that are in control by the Muslims! These texts are written for the nobles of Iberia and want to demonstrate the legitimacy and superiority of the Asturian kingdom and is King over the other nobles and of course the Muslim!
In his reign there is an expansion from Galicia to the south against the Muslims, effectively conquering territory:
868 - Conquest of Portucale (Porto)
872 - Chaves
878 - Coimbra
This sends the border between Muslims and Christians further south to river Mondego that crosses in Coimbra.
In its reign, the capital of the Asturian Kingdom also changes from Oviedo to León.
If all seems going in the right direction for the Asturian kingdom, but soon the Cordoba Caliphate will show who the dominant force in Iberian Peninsula is, and even the temple of Saint Tiago in Compostela won´t escape to the fury of Almansour army...
Check out past chapters:
The Iberian Crusade: Prologue
The Iberian Crusade: I
The Iberian Crusade: II
The Iberian Crusades: III
Intriguing post - thanks @carlosdaniel .
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beautiful post....we have to be proud of our History