(Alfons II d'Aragó, Alfonso II de Aragón, Anfós el Cast, Alfonso el Casto, Alfonso I de Provenza, Alfonso II Rex Aragonum)
This wax seal stamp is based on the historic heraldic arms associated with Alphonse II of Aragon (1157–1196), also known as Alfons el Cast (“the Chaste”). As King of Aragon and Count of Barcelona from 1164, and Marquis of Provence, Alphonse inherited a powerful legacy at the heart of the Crown of Aragon, ruling a growing Mediterranean realm forged through both conquest and diplomacy.
Born into the House of Barcelona, Alphonse II was the first king to unite Aragon and Catalonia under a single crown, marking a crucial turning point in the development of a pan-Iberian identity. He further extended Aragonese influence into southern France, asserting his authority in Provence, and became a patron of the Troubadour tradition – promoting Occitan poetry and courtly culture across his territories.
A skilled military leader, Alphonse supported the Reconquista, participating in campaigns against the Almohads while also expanding his influence over Navarre and Béarn. His rule was marked by both chivalric ideals and clever statecraft – balancing martial ambition with literary patronage.
“Quoniam pax vobis non potest reddi sine justitia, pacem habeatis cum justitia.”
("Since peace cannot be restored to you without justice, have peace with justice.") – Attributed to Alphonse II
