# Alfonso IV of Aragon

> King of Aragon, Valencia, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica

**Wikidata**: [Q380088](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q380088)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfonso_IV_of_Aragon)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alfonso-iv-of-aragon

## Summary
Alfonso IV of Aragon (1299–1336) was a medieval monarch who ruled as King of Aragon, Valencia, Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica. Known as "Alfonso the Benign," he played a pivotal role in consolidating the territories of the Crown of Aragon, a composite monarchy that dominated Mediterranean politics and trade during his reign.

## Biography
- **Born**: 1299 (exact place unspecified)
- **Nationality**: Aragonese (Crown of Aragon)
- **Known for**: Reigning as King of Aragon, Valencia, Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica; strengthening the Crown of Aragon's Mediterranean dominance
- **Field(s)**: Monarchy, governance, military leadership

## Contributions
Alfonso IV of Aragon contributed to the stability and expansion of the Crown of Aragon, a composite monarchy that included key Mediterranean territories. His reign (1327–1336) saw the consolidation of Aragonese control over Sardinia and Corsica, reinforcing the Crown's maritime and political influence. He also maintained alliances and diplomatic relations that secured the Crown's position in the Mediterranean.

## FAQs
### **Who was Alfonso IV of Aragon?**
Alfonso IV of Aragon was a 14th-century monarch who ruled over the Crown of Aragon, including the kingdoms of Aragon, Valencia, Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica. His reign was marked by efforts to strengthen the Crown's territorial and political cohesion.

### **What was the Crown of Aragon?**
The Crown of Aragon was a composite monarchy that existed from 1162 to 1716, encompassing territories in the Iberian Peninsula and the Mediterranean. It was a major European power during Alfonso IV's reign, with key holdings in Sicily, Sardinia, and Valencia.

### **What territories did Alfonso IV rule?**
Alfonso IV ruled over the Kingdom of Aragon, the Kingdom of Valencia, the Kingdom of Sicily, and the kingdoms of Sardinia and Corsica. These territories were part of the broader Crown of Aragon, which also included Catalonia and Majorca.

### **Why is Alfonso IV called "the Benign"?**
Alfonso IV earned the epithet "the Benign" (el Benigne in Catalan) due to his relatively peaceful reign and efforts to maintain stability within the Crown of Aragon's diverse territories.

### **How did Alfonso IV contribute to the Crown of Aragon?**
Alfonso IV strengthened the Crown's control over Sardinia and Corsica, ensuring the continuity of Aragonese dominance in the Mediterranean. His reign also saw the maintenance of key alliances that secured the Crown's political and economic influence.

## Why They Matter
Alfonso IV of Aragon's reign was crucial in maintaining the stability and territorial integrity of the Crown of Aragon during a period of Mediterranean political complexity. His leadership ensured the continuation of Aragonese influence in key regions, contributing to the Crown's role as a major European power. Without his efforts, the Crown of Aragon might have faced greater fragmentation or external threats.

## Notable For
- Reigning as King of Aragon, Valencia, Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica
- Strengthening the Crown of Aragon's control over Mediterranean territories
- Earning the epithet "the Benign" for his stable and relatively peaceful rule
- Consolidating Aragonese influence in Sardinia and Corsica

## Body

### **Early Life and Ascension**
Alfonso IV of Aragon was born in 1299, though the exact location is unspecified. He ascended to the throne in 1327, succeeding his father, James II of Aragon. His reign was part of the broader history of the Crown of Aragon, a composite monarchy that had been established in 1162.

### **Reign and Territorial Control**
During his reign, Alfonso IV ruled over a vast and diverse set of territories, including the Kingdom of Aragon, the Kingdom of Valencia, the Kingdom of Sicily, and the kingdoms of Sardinia and Corsica. These territories were integral to the Crown of Aragon's Mediterranean dominance, which had been expanding since the 12th century.

### **Consolidation of Power**
Alfonso IV's reign was marked by efforts to consolidate and strengthen the Crown's control over its territories. He played a key role in securing Sardinia and Corsica, which were strategically important for the Crown's maritime and trade interests. His leadership ensured that these regions remained under Aragonese influence, contributing to the Crown's broader political and economic power.

### **Diplomatic and Military Leadership**
As a sovereign ruler, Alfonso IV engaged in diplomatic and military efforts to maintain the stability of the Crown of Aragon. His reign was relatively peaceful compared to some of his predecessors and successors, earning him the epithet "the Benign." This stability allowed the Crown to continue its role as a major Mediterranean power.

### **Legacy and Influence**
Alfonso IV's contributions to the Crown of Aragon were significant in maintaining its territorial integrity and influence. His reign ensured that the Crown remained a dominant force in the Mediterranean, setting the stage for future rulers to expand and consolidate its power. The Crown of Aragon's legacy, including its cultural and political contributions, endured long after his death in 1336.

### **Cultural and Historical Context**
The Crown of Aragon, under Alfonso IV and other rulers, was a hub of cultural and political activity. It fostered the development of the Catalan language and literature, as well as architectural achievements. The Crown's composite monarchy structure allowed for regional autonomy while maintaining centralized governance, a model that influenced later European political systems.

### **Dissolution and Historical Impact**
The Crown of Aragon's eventual dissolution in 1715 marked a significant shift in European power dynamics. However, during Alfonso IV's reign, the Crown was at its height, playing a crucial role in Mediterranean trade, culture, and politics. His leadership contributed to the Crown's enduring influence, which can still be seen in the modern-day autonomous communities of Aragon, Catalonia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands.

## References

1. Source
2. The Peerage
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. Library of Congress Authorities
6. BnF authorities
7. IdRef
8. Els primitius contats i vescomtats de Catalunya. Cronología de contes i vescontes
9. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
10. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
11. Spanish Biographical Dictionary
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
13. CERL Thesaurus
14. Biblioteca Virtual Miguel de Cervantes
15. LIBRIS. 2012
16. FactGrid
17. Sejm-Wielki.pl