Alfonso IX of León was a king who ruled from 1188 to 1230. He was born in 1171 and was a member of the House of Jiménez. His reign is notable for the establishment of the Cortes of León, one of the first parliamentary assemblies in Europe, which allowed for greater participation of the nobility and clergy in governance. During his rule, Alfonso IX expanded his kingdom and fought against the Moors to reclaim territory in the Iberian Peninsula. He was also known for his support of the Catholic Church and for founding the University of Salamanca, which became one of the oldest universities in the world.