Alfonso X of Castile, King of Galicia, Castile and León (1252 – 1284), is perhaps the most interesting of the Spanish kings of the Middle Ages. His nickname "el Sabio" literally means "the Wise", but "the Learned" would be a more accurate translation.
He was a writer, and he had considerable scientific fame, based mainly on his encouragement of astronomy and the Ptolemaic cosmogony as known to him through the Arabs. The Alphonsus crater on the moon is named after him.
He established in Toledo a translation school that did a great work increasing the flow of knowledge into Christian Europe. Much of it was based on Ancient philosophy. His fame also extends to the preparation of the Alfonsine tables.
Alfonso was the first king who initiated the use of Castellano (Spanish), instead of Latin, as the language of culture (culture referring to the language used in courts, churches, and in books and official documents).
He might have lacked political abilities to rule, but his nickname was certainly a well chosen one. He is credited to have given the following advise:
"May you burn old logs,
may you drink old wines,
may you read old books,
may you have old friends."
I am trying, Alfonso! All but the logs, because in Ecuador very few houses have a fireplace. The remaining three, I must admit, are a true joy.
He was a writer, and he had considerable scientific fame, based mainly on his encouragement of astronomy and the Ptolemaic cosmogony as known to him through the Arabs. The Alphonsus crater on the moon is named after him.
He established in Toledo a translation school that did a great work increasing the flow of knowledge into Christian Europe. Much of it was based on Ancient philosophy. His fame also extends to the preparation of the Alfonsine tables.
Alfonso was the first king who initiated the use of Castellano (Spanish), instead of Latin, as the language of culture (culture referring to the language used in courts, churches, and in books and official documents).
He might have lacked political abilities to rule, but his nickname was certainly a well chosen one. He is credited to have given the following advise:
"May you burn old logs,
may you drink old wines,
may you read old books,
may you have old friends."
I am trying, Alfonso! All but the logs, because in Ecuador very few houses have a fireplace. The remaining three, I must admit, are a true joy.
~June 16, 2006~
No comments:
Post a Comment