| Navarre gained its independence from Carolingian rule in the 9th century and fell heir to the Carolingian rights in Aragon, which was absorbed by Navarre in the 10th century. Sancho the Great (970–1035) secured the succession of Castile, conquered most of Leon, and temporarily united the Iberian kingdoms. By his will, Aragon passed to his son Ramiro and the union came to an end. On the death of Alfonso the Warrior (1104–34), Navarre returned to its old ruling house until it passed under French control (1234) for two centuries. | 1 |
