Editing Kingdom of Asturias (section)

== Social and political transformations ==
Written sources are concise concerning the reigns of [[Aurelius of Asturias|Aurelio]], [[Silo of Asturias|Silo]], [[Mauregatus of Asturias|Mauregatus]] and [[Bermudo I of Asturias|Bermudo I]]. Generally this period, with a duration of twenty-three years (768–791), has been considered as a long stage of obscurity and retreat of the kingdom of Asturias. This version, defended by some historians, who even named this historical phase as that of the "lazy kings", derived from the fact that, during it, there were apparently no important military actions against al-Andalus. However, there were relevant and decisive internal transformations, which provided a foundation for the strengthening and the expansion of Asturias.

First, the first internal rebellion, led by Mauregato (783–788), occurred during those years. The rebellion removed Alfonso II from the throne (although he became king again later, from 791 to 842). This initiated a series of further rebellions whose principal leaders were members of ascending aristocratic palace groups and landowners who, based on the growing economic development of the area, tried to unseat the reigning family of Don Pelayo. The important rebellions of Nepociano, Aldroito and Piniolo, during the reign of [[Ramiro I of Asturias|Ramiro I]] (842–50), are part of this process of economic, social, political and cultural transformation of the Asturian kingdom that occurred during the eighth and ninth centuries.

Second, neighboring rebellions by [[Basques]] and [[Galicians]] failed, quashed by Asturian kings. These rebels took advantage of the unrest in the central and Eastern part of Asturias, and, on occasion, provided help to one or another contender for the throne: by providing refuge to Alfonso II in [[Alava]] after his flight; the support for Nepociano's rebellion in some Asturian areas; and the adherence of Galicians to the cause of Ramiro I.

Finally, other evidence suggests important internal transformations occurred during this time. Rebellions of [[freedman|freedmen]] (''serbi'', ''servilis orico'' and ''libertini'', according to the ''Chronicles'') occurred during the reign of Aurelio I. The property relationship between master and slave broke down progressively. This fact, together with the growing role of the individual and the restricted family, to the detriment of the extended family, is another indication that a new society was emerging in Asturias at the end of the eighth and beginning of the ninth centuries.

[[Fruela I of Asturias|Fruela I]] (757–68) was succeeded by [[Aurelius of Asturias|Aurelius]] (768–74), son of [[Fruela of Cantabria]] and Peter of Cantabria's grandson, who would establish the court in what is today the district of [[San Martín del Rey Aurelio]], which previously belonged to Langreo. [[Silo of Asturias|Silo]] (774–83) succeeded Aurelio after his death, and transferred the court to [[Pravia]]. Silo was married to [[Adosinda]], one of the daughters of Alfonso I (and therefore, Pelayo's granddaughter).

Alfonso II was elected king after Silo's death, but Mauregato organized a strong opposition and forced the new king to withdraw to lands in Alava (his mother, Munia, was Basque), obtaining the Asturian throne. The king, despite the bad reputation attributed by history, had good relations with [[Beatus of Liébana]], perhaps the most important cultural figure of the kingdom, and supported him in his fight against [[Spanish Adoptionism|adoptionism]]. Legend says that Mauregato was Alfonso I's bastard son with a Moorish woman, and attributes to him the tribute of a hundred maidens. He was succeeded by Bermudo I, Aurelio's brother. He was called "the deacon", although he probably received only minor vows. Bermudo abdicated after a military defeat, ending his life in a monastery.