# Favila of Asturias

> Asturian king

**Wikidata**: [Q333648](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q333648)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Favila_of_Asturias)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/favila-of-asturias

## Summary
Favila of Asturias was the second king of the Kingdom of Asturias, a medieval realm located in northern Spain. He ruled during the early 8th century and played a key role in consolidating the nascent Christian kingdom following the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula.

## Biography
- Born: c. 700
- Nationality: Kingdom of Asturias (modern-day Spain)
- Education: Not specified
- Known for: Being one of the early rulers of the Kingdom of Asturias
- Employer(s): Kingdom of Asturias (as monarch)
- Field(s): Medieval monarchy, political leadership

## Contributions
Favila of Asturias is primarily known for his reign as king of the Kingdom of Asturias, during which he maintained and expanded the foundations of the Asturian state. His rule followed that of his father, Pelayo, who is credited with initiating the Reconquista. While specific military or legislative achievements are not detailed, his reign is significant in the context of early medieval Iberian politics and resistance to Muslim rule.

## FAQs
**Who was Favila of Asturias?**  
Favila of Asturias was the second king of the Kingdom of Asturias, succeeding his father Pelayo. He ruled during the early 8th century and was a key figure in the early history of the Asturian realm.

**What is the Kingdom of Asturias?**  
The Kingdom of Asturias was a medieval monarchy established in the northern Iberian Peninsula, known for being the first stable Christian kingdom to emerge after the Muslim conquest of Spain.

**What is Favila's historical significance?**  
Favila is historically significant as a transitional ruler who continued the consolidation of the Asturian state, laying groundwork for the later Christian kingdoms of Spain.

**When did Favila of Asturias live?**  
He was born around the year 700 and died around 739.

**What happened during Favila's reign?**  
While specific events are not well-documented, his reign is understood to be a continuation of the early consolidation of the Asturian kingdom, maintaining resistance against Muslim forces.

## Why They Matter
Favila of Asturias played a foundational role in the early history of the Christian kingdoms of the Iberian Peninsula. His reign, though brief and not extensively documented, represented a critical period of continuity following the establishment of the Kingdom of Asturias by his father, Pelayo. His leadership helped solidify the political structure of the kingdom during its formative years, contributing to the broader narrative of the Reconquista—the centuries-long Christian reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula.

## Notable For
- Being the second king of the Kingdom of Asturias
- Continuing the legacy of his father, Pelayo, in consolidating the Asturian kingdom
- His role in the early resistance to Muslim rule in Iberia
- Being part of the lineage that founded the Christian kingdoms of Spain

## Body

### Early Life and Lineage
Favila of Asturias was born around the year 700 into the royal family of the nascent Kingdom of Asturias. He was the son of Pelayo, the founder of the Asturian kingdom and a central figure in the early resistance to the Umayyad conquest of Hispania. As the heir to Pelayo, Favila inherited a kingdom in its infancy, surrounded by Muslim territories and internal challenges.

### Reign and Rule
Favila became king following the death of his father, around 734. His reign, though short, was significant in maintaining the early political structure of the Kingdom of Asturias. He ruled during a time when the Christian kingdoms were still vulnerable and surrounded by hostile forces. His leadership was essential in ensuring the continuity of the Asturian state.

### Death and Legacy
Favila died around 739, reportedly in a hunting accident, according to some medieval sources. His death marked the end of the first phase of Asturian kingship and led to succession by his son, Alfonso I. Despite the lack of detailed historical records, his role in the early consolidation of the Kingdom of Asturias remains significant.

### Historical Context
Favila’s reign occurred during a pivotal era in the Iberian Peninsula’s history, where the Umayyad Caliphate had established control over much of the region. His rule, while not extensively documented, contributed to the early resistance efforts that would eventually evolve into the broader Reconquista movement.

### Influence and Memory
Favila’s legacy is preserved in the early chronicles of the Kingdom of Asturias. His contributions, though not as prominent as later rulers, were foundational in ensuring the survival and growth of the Asturian realm. His role in the lineage of early Asturian kings places him as a key transitional figure in the history of medieval Iberia.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.museodelprado.es/coleccion/obra-de-arte/don-favila/10eac67a-3dbb-4091-8188-acc81ac3dac2?searchid=7d977ec2-2cca-8795-ff46-fdef58bcc2e7)
2. The Peerage
3. Catalan Wikipedia
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. [Source](http://catalogo.bne.es/uhtbin/authoritybrowse.cgi?action=display&authority_id=XX1523553)