Alfonso Carrillo de Acuna Archbishop of Toledo Date of Birth: 11.08.1410 Country: Spain

1. Archbishop of Toledo
2. Political Intrigues
3. Supporting the Infantes
4. Shifting Alliances

Archbishop of Toledo

In 1446, Alfonso de Carvajal became the Archbishop of Toledo, holding the position until 1482. He played a pivotal role in the War of the Castilian Succession.

Political Intrigues

Alfonso descended from the illustrious Portuguese da Cunha family. At the court of Alfonso, he aligned himself with his relative Juan Pacheco, who effectively governed Castile under the weak-willed King Henry IV. However, when Beltrán de la Cueva replaced Pacheco at court, the Archbishop turned against royal authority.

Supporting the Infantes

Alfonso aspired to depose Henry and enthrone his younger brother, Alfonso. After the latter's death, he supported Isabella of Castile. In 1465, he declared Henry deposed at a meeting of nobles. He also arranged the secret marriage between Isabella and Ferdinand of Aragon.

Shifting Alliances

Concerned by the growing influence of the Mendoza clan, especially Cardinal Mendoza, Alfonso later switched allegiance to Juana Beltraneja, a Portuguese claimant to the throne. He fought on her side at the Battle of Toro in 1476 but was ultimately compelled to submit and retire to a monastery.