Aurelius of Asturias

Aurelius of Asturias, born in León around the year seven hundred forty, ascended to the throne as King of Asturias in seven hundred sixty-eight following the assassination of his predecessor, Fruela I. A member of a prominent lineage, he was the son of Fruela of Cantabria and a cousin to Fruela I, with familial ties extending to Alfonso I of Asturias. His brother, Bermudo I, would later take the crown from seven hundred eighty-nine to seven hundred ninety-one.

His reign, which lasted until his death in seven hundred seventy-four, is characterized by a notable lack of conflict, as evidenced by the sparse references to his rule in medieval chronicles. The most significant event recorded during his time was a rebellion of serfs, marking the first documented instance of anti-seignorial revolt in the Iberian Peninsula. Aurelius successfully quelled this uprising, although the specifics of its location remain unknown.

In a strategic move, Aurelius is believed to have negotiated peace with the Muslim territories to the south through an exchange of brides, a practice common in that era. This legendary arrangement is thought to have inspired the name of El Entrego, which is now part of the municipality of San Martín del Rey Aurelio, where he likely established his principal residence and the effective capital of Asturias.

After reigning for six years, Aurelius passed away from natural causes in the year seven hundred seventy-four. The chronicles of his time do not mention any wife or children, leading to his succession by Silo, the husband of Alfonso I's daughter, Adosinda. The location of Aurelius's remains remains a topic of debate among historians, with various medieval chronicles offering conflicting accounts of his burial site.