ALPHONSO II., "the Fat," was born in 1185, and succeeded
his father, Sancho I., in 1211. He was engaged in war with
the Moors and gained a victory over them at Alcacer do Sal in
1217. He also endeavoured to weaken the power of the clergy
and to apply a portion of their enormous revenues to purposes
of national utility. Having been excommunicated for this
by the pope (Honorius III.), he promised to make amends to
the church; but he died in 1223 before doing anything to
fulfil his engagement. He framed a code which introduced
several beneficial changes into the laws of his kingdom.
Initial text from 1911 encyclopedia -- Please update as needed
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