Afonso X, also known as Afonso the Wise, was the King of Castile and Leon from 1252 until his death in 1284. He is renowned for his contributions to culture, law, and science during the Middle Ages. Afonso promoted the use of the Spanish language in literature and established the Alfonsine Tables, which were astronomical tables that improved navigation and understanding of the stars. Afonso X was also a patron of the arts and encouraged the translation of important texts from Arabic and Hebrew into Latin and Spanish. His reign marked a significant period of cultural flourishing in the Iberian Peninsula, influencing future generations in various fields, including literature, philosophy, and science.