Alfonso VIII was a king of Castile, who ruled from 1158 to 1214. He is best known for his role in the Reconquista, the effort to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule. Alfonso VIII successfully led the Christian forces to victory at the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212, which was a significant turning point in the Reconquista. During his reign, Alfonso VIII worked to strengthen his kingdom by promoting trade and establishing alliances. He founded the city of Alcalá de Henares and supported the growth of the University of Alcalá, which became an important center of learning in medieval Spain.