Alfonso VIII of Castile was a king who ruled from 1158 to 1214. He is known for his efforts to expand the territory of the Kingdom of Castile and for his role in the Reconquista, the campaign to reclaim land from the Moors in the Iberian Peninsula. His reign marked a period of significant growth and consolidation for Castile. One of his notable achievements was the victory at the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212, which was a turning point in the Reconquista. This battle united Christian forces against the Almohad Caliphate, leading to a decline in Muslim power in the region. Alfonso VIII's leadership helped shape the future of Spain.