This lesson introduces students to music in the Court of Alfonso X The Learned, Spanish king from 1252-1284. The readings provide information about King Alfonso, his political ambitions, and his contributions to Spanish medieval history. The lesson also introduces his establishment of laws with new legal codes and his remarkable collection of poetry, art, and song collected in "Cantigas de Santa Maria" (Songs of Saint Mary). The place of Arabs and Jews in the court of King Alfonso X is also discussed. Students examine the "Cantigas de Santa Maria," which is a collection of over 400 poems in praise of the Virgin Mary and stories of her miracles, all set to music. Many lavish illustrations in this collection show life at court, dress, musicians playing instruments, court scribes, and the King himself. Background materials for teachers are provided. (EH)