Afonso VII was a king of Leon and Castile who reigned from 1126 to 1157. He is known for uniting these two kingdoms, which significantly strengthened his rule in the Iberian Peninsula. Afonso VII was also recognized as the first emperor of All Spain, a title that reflected his ambition to consolidate power over the various Christian kingdoms. During his reign, Afonso VII focused on expanding his territory and influence through military campaigns against Muslim states in the south. He played a crucial role in the Reconquista, the effort to reclaim land from Muslim rule, and his leadership helped lay the groundwork for future Christian conquests in the region.