Births on January 13

Henry II, king of Castile and León (d. 1379)

Henry II (Enrique II), born on 13 January 1334 and passing away on 29 May 1379, holds a pivotal place in Castilian history as the first monarch from the House of Trastámara to rule the united crowns of Castile and León. His ascension marked a significant shift in the Iberian Peninsula's political landscape, following a protracted civil conflict.

Titles and Origins

Known by two distinct appellations, Henry II's legacy is intrinsically linked to his family and his path to power:

• Henry of Trastámara: This title reflects his lineage and his role as the founder of the Trastámara dynasty. The House of Trastámara was an illegitimate cadet branch of the ruling House of Burgundy-Ivrea, and Henry's success established a new royal line that would go on to rule Castile for over a century and eventually expand its influence across Aragon, contributing to the eventual unification of Spain.
• The Fratricidal (el Fratricida): This somber epithet directly references the controversial manner in which he secured the throne. Henry personally killed his half-brother, Peter I of Castile (often known as Peter the Cruel), at the Battle of Montiel in 1369. This act, born out of a bitter and bloody civil war, cemented his reign but also left a lasting stain on his historical image.

The Path to the Throne: The Castilian Civil War (1351-1369)

Henry II's rise to kingship was not through peaceful succession but through a long and brutal conflict against his half-brother, Peter I. This internal strife, known as the Castilian Civil War, was fueled by Peter I's authoritarian rule, his conflicts with the Castilian nobility and the Church, and his foreign policy alliances. Henry, as the eldest illegitimate son of King Alfonso XI, became the rallying figure for the disaffected noble factions who sought to depose Peter I.

The civil war was deeply intertwined with the larger European conflict, the Hundred Years' War, drawing in major foreign powers:

• French Support: Henry received crucial backing from France, notably through the military expertise of the renowned French commander Bertrand du Guesclin and his mercenary 'White Companies'. France saw an opportunity to weaken England's influence in Iberia and secure a valuable naval ally.
• English and Portuguese Intervention: Peter I, in turn, sought and received support from England, primarily through the efforts of Edward, the Black Prince. The Battle of Nájera (1367) was a significant engagement where Henry's forces, despite French aid, suffered a major defeat at the hands of the Anglo-Castilian army. However, English support eventually waned due to financial and logistical difficulties.

The war culminated in the decisive Battle of Montiel in 1369. Following a siege, Peter I was captured, and in a notorious incident, Henry personally slew his half-brother, effectively ending the conflict and securing his claim to the throne of Castile and León.

Reign and Foreign Engagements (1369-1379)

As king, Henry II faced the immediate challenge of consolidating his power and stabilizing a kingdom ravaged by years of civil war. He achieved this through a combination of political maneuvering, reconciliation, and strategic alliances. His reign was characterized by Castile's active involvement in two major international conflicts:

The Fernandine Wars (1369-1371, 1372-1373, 1375-1379)

These were a series of three conflicts fought against Ferdinand I of Portugal. The primary causes included disputes over the Castilian succession (as Ferdinand I also claimed the Castilian throne), and control over vital maritime trade routes and strategic territories along the Castilian-Portuguese border. Henry II generally emerged victorious from these engagements, consolidating Castilian dominance in the region.

The Hundred Years' War

Castile became a key player in this ongoing Anglo-French conflict under Henry II. Abandoning his half-brother's English alliance, Henry II solidified a strong alliance with France. This strategic partnership was critical, particularly concerning naval power. In 1372, the Castilian fleet, under the command of Ambrosio Boccanegra, achieved a decisive victory over an English fleet at the Battle of La Rochelle. This significant naval triumph severely crippled English naval capabilities in the Atlantic for years and provided France with crucial naval superiority, allowing them to exert greater pressure on English holdings in Gascony.

Frequently Asked Questions about Henry II of Castile

Who was Henry II of Castile?

Henry II, also known as Henry of Trastámara or "the Fratricidal," was the first king of Castile and León from the House of Trastámara, reigning from 1369 until his death in 1379. He secured the throne after defeating and personally killing his half-brother, Peter I "the Cruel," following a prolonged civil war.

How did Henry II become king?

Henry II became king through conquest, by winning the Castilian Civil War (1351-1369) against his half-brother Peter I. After years of rebellions, foreign interventions, and battles, Henry decisively defeated Peter's forces at the Battle of Montiel in 1369, where he personally killed Peter, ending the conflict and securing the throne.

Why was Henry II called "the Fratricidal"?

He earned the epithet "the Fratricidal" (el Fratricida) because he personally killed his half-brother, Peter I of Castile, during the final confrontation at the Battle of Montiel in 1369. This act was central to his seizure of the Castilian throne.

What major wars was Henry II involved in?

As king, Henry II was primarily involved in the Fernandine Wars against Portugal (1369-1379), which secured Castilian dominance, and actively participated in the Hundred Years' War by forging a strong alliance with France against England and Portugal, notably contributing to French naval victories.

What was the House of Trastámara?

The House of Trastámara was a new royal dynasty in Castile and León, founded by Henry II. It was an illegitimate branch of the former ruling House of Burgundy-Ivrea. This dynasty ruled Castile for over a century and expanded its influence, eventually uniting the crowns of Castile and Aragon, laying the groundwork for the future kingdom of Spain.