Pelayo is a historical figure from the early Middle Ages, known for his role in the formation of the Kingdom of Asturias in northern Spain. He is often credited with leading the resistance against the Muslim invasion of the Iberian Peninsula. His leadership marked the beginning of the Reconquista, a long period of conflict aimed at reclaiming territory from Muslim rule. Pelayo's most famous battle was the Battle of Covadonga, which took place around 722 AD. This victory is considered a significant turning point in the struggle for Christian dominance in the region. Pelayo's legacy is celebrated in Spanish history as a symbol of resistance and national identity.