Gonzalo de Berceo was a 13th-century Spanish poet, recognized as one of the first known authors to write in the Spanish language. He was born around 1198 in the region of La Rioja and spent much of his life as a monk in the Monastery of San Millán de la Cogolla. His works primarily focused on religious themes, reflecting the values and beliefs of his time. Berceo is best known for his narrative poems, including the famous Milagros de Nuestra Señora, which recounts the miracles of the Virgin Mary. His writings played a significant role in the development of Spanish literature and helped to establish the use of the vernacular in literary works.