Berengaria of Castile

Reign: 1217 – 1217
Life: 1180–1246

As the eldest child and heir presumptive of Alfonso VIII of Castile, she was a sought-after bride, and was engaged to Conrad, the son of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I. After Conrad's death, she married her cousin Alfonso IX of León to secure the peace between him and her father. She had five children with him before their marriage was voided by Pope Innocent III. When her father died, Berengaria served as regent for her younger brother Henry I in Castile until she succeeded him on his untimely death. She continued guiding policy, negotiating, and ruling for the rest of her life. She was a patron of religious institutions and supported the writing of a history of the two countries.

During Berengaria of Castile's reign, Afonso II of Portugal ruled Portugal, Johan Sverkersson ruled Sweden, and Minamoto no Sanetomo ruled Japan (Shogunate).

Want to learn more? Further reading

Queen Urraca of León and Castile by Bernard F. Reilly

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

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Queen Urraca of León and Castile

Bernard F. Reilly

Reilly's work on Iberian queenship, essential context for Berengaria's reign and Richard I's widowhood.

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