Ferdinand III of Castile

Fernando III called El Santo (the Saint), (1198/1199 - May 30, 1252) was a king of Castile (1217 - 1252) and Leon (1230 - 1252). He was the son of Alfonso IX and Berenguela of Castile, daughter of Alfonso VIII. Because his parents were first cousins, their marriage was anulled, but Fernando remained legitimized and was able to succeed his father as king.

Related Topics:
1198 - 1199 - May 30 - 1252 - Castile - 1217 - Leon - 1230 - Alfonso IX - Berenguela of Castile - Alfonso VIII

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In 1231 he united Castile and Leon permanently.

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Fernando spent much of his reign fighting the Moors. He captured the towns of Córdoba in 1236, Jaén in 1246, and Seville in 1248, and occupied Murcia in 1243, thereby completing the reconquest of Spain excepting Granada, whose king nevertheless did homage to Fernando.

Related Topics:
Moors - Córdoba - 1236 - Jaén - 1246 - Seville - 1248 - Murcia - 1243 - Spain - Granada

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He founded the University of Salamanca and the Cathedral of Burgos.

Related Topics:
Salamanca - Cathedral of Burgos

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Fernando was canonized by Pope Clement X in 1671. Several places named San Fernando were founded across the Spanish Empire.

Related Topics:
Pope Clement X - 1671 - San Fernando - Spanish Empire

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