Alfonso VI of Leon vs Gangjong of Goryeo

Alfonso VI claimed the title 'Imperator totius Hispaniae' (Emperor of all Spain) in 1077, asserting his supremacy over other Christian rulers. This title was used in diplomatic correspondence and reflected his ambition to unify Iberia.

Alfonso VI captured the city of Toledo from the Taifa of Toledo in May 1085. This was a major victory in the Reconquista, as Toledo was a historic capital of the Visigothic kingdom and a cultural center of Islamic Iberia.

Alfonso VI was defeated by the Almoravid army under Yusuf ibn Tashfin at the Battle of Sagrajas (Zallaqa). This defeat halted Christian expansion and forced Alfonso to seek help from other Christian kingdoms, marking a turning point in the Reconquista.

Alfonso VI married Zaida, a Muslim princess from Seville, who converted to Christianity and took the name Isabel. This marriage was a political alliance to secure peace with the Taifa of Seville and strengthen his position against the Almoravids.

Gangjong became king after his brother Huijong was deposed by Choe Chung-heon. His reign coincided with the first Mongol invasions of Goryeo, though he had no authority to direct military policy.

Like his predecessors, Gangjong was a puppet king under the Choe military dictatorship. All major decisions, including responses to the Mongol threat, were made by Choe Chung-heon and his private army.

Gangjong died in 1213, just as Mongol forces under Genghis Khan began their first major campaign against Goryeo. His brief reign of two years saw no significant policy changes, and the Choe regime continued to dominate.