Afonso VII of León was a significant medieval king who ruled from 1109 to 1157. He was known as "Afonso the Emperor" because he was the first king to use the title of emperor in the Iberian Peninsula. His reign was marked by efforts to unite the Christian kingdoms of León and Castile, expanding their territories and strengthening their power against Muslim states. Afonso VII was also a patron of the arts and culture, promoting the construction of churches and monasteries. His leadership helped lay the groundwork for the future unification of Spain, influencing the political landscape of the region for generations to come.