El Cid: Knight of the Two Worlds - Reconquista DOCUMENTARY

Summary

Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, known as El Cid, was a multifaceted figure of the Reconquista, serving as a knight, mercenary, and warlord. Born in Burgos in 1043, he became a key military asset for Prince Sancho the Strong and later for King Sancho of Castile. El Cid fought in numerous battles, including the pivotal Battle of Golpejera, where he earned his nickname "Campeador" for his heroics. Despite tensions with King Alfonso of Leon, he married into nobility and continued to serve as a military leader. His reputation grew after victories against the Moors, and he was even called "Cid" by his soldiers, a title signifying respect. After periods of exile, he established himself as an independent ruler in Valencia, creating a state that outlived him. El Cid's legacy as a champion of both Christians and Muslims and his undefeated military record make him a legendary figure of the Middle Ages.

Takeaways

• 🏰 El Cid, born Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar in 1043, was a multifaceted figure known as a knight, mercenary, outlaw, and warlord, who fought for both Christians and Moors during the Reconquista.
• 🛡️ He was initially a loyal knight to Prince Sancho the Strong, later becoming King Sancho of Castille, and played a key role in the Battle of Golpejera, where he earned the nickname 'Campeador'.
• 🏺 After King Sancho's death, El Cid's fortunes changed when he fell out of favor with King Alfonso of Leon, leading to periods of exile and service to both Christian and Muslim lords.
• 🗡️ El Cid's military prowess was such that he was able to establish himself as an independent warlord, conquering and vassalizing various Moorish taifas, including the taifa of Valencia.
• ⚔️ His rivalry with García Ordoñez, count of Najera, was a significant aspect of his career, with both men vying for the position of King Alfonso's preferred knight.
• 🏙️ The Siege of Valencia was a pivotal moment in El Cid's life, where he laid siege to the city for almost nine months before successfully establishing a lordship over it.
• 🤝 El Cid's diplomatic skills were evident in his ability to form alliances, such as the one with King Pedro of Aragon, which was crucial in defending against the Almoravids.
• 🏰 The transformation of the old mosque of Valencia into the Cathedral of Santa María marked a significant achievement in El Cid's campaign to consolidate his dominion.
• 👑 Despite his military successes, El Cid faced personal tragedy with the death of his son Diego, which affected his health in his later years.
• 📜 His legacy lived on through his wife, Jimena Díaz, who inherited his state and maintained its independence for a few more years after his death.
• 🌟 El Cid Campeador, who died in 1099, is remembered as an undefeated hero of the Middle Ages, a true knight of two worlds, and an ancestor to many kings of Spain.

Q & A

Who is El Cid and what is his significance in Spanish history?

El Cid, also known as Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, is a renowned figure from the Reconquista period and is considered a Spanish national hero. He was a knight, mercenary, outlaw, and warlord who fought for both Christian and Moorish sides, depending on the political climate, and his military prowess made him a legend. His life inspired one of the oldest Castilian epic poems.

What was the political situation in the Iberian Peninsula when Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar was born?

When Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar was born in 1043, the Iberian Peninsula was undergoing significant changes. The Caliphate of Córdoba was collapsing, leading to the rise of many small Muslim states known as taifas. Meanwhile, Christian kingdoms were expanding and often at odds with each other, and a new state was emerging in the Castilian lands.

How did Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar earn the nickname 'El Cid Campeador'?

Rodrigo earned the nickname 'El Cid Campeador', which translates to 'champion' or 'master of the battlefield', after leading the Castilians to a significant victory against the Leonese forces at the Battle of Golpejera. His bravery and strategic advice during the battle led to the capture and exile of King Alfonso of León, and the subsequent crowning of his friend and liege, Sancho, as King of León.

Why was El Cid exiled by King Alfonso?

El Cid was exiled by King Alfonso due to false accusations made by the Count of Najera, who claimed that Rodrigo had stolen part of the tribute meant for the king. Additionally, King Alfonso was angered by El Cid's independent actions in pursuing and ransacking the lands of Toledo without royal consent, leading to his first exile.

How did El Cid's relationship with the Moors evolve over time?

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What was the significance of the Battle of Almenar and how did it affect El Cid's reputation?

The Battle of Almenar was significant as it showcased El Cid's military prowess and strategic thinking. Despite being outnumbered, El Cid's forces managed to surprise and defeat the combined forces of Lerida and Barcelona, leading to the capture of Count Berenguer. This victory further increased El Cid's prestige and established him as a formidable military leader.

How did El Cid establish his own state and what was its capital?

El Cid established his own state after being exiled for the second time by King Alfonso. He gathered a large force and successfully besieged and captured the city of Valencia from the Moors. He then declared himself Prince of Valencia, creating an independent state with Valencia as its capital.

What was the role of El Cid's wife, Jimena Díaz, after his death?

After El Cid's death, his wife Jimena Díaz inherited the state he created. She managed to maintain its independence for three more years until 1102 when the Almoravids attacked with a large army, forcing the city to be abandoned. Jimena then returned to Castille with her husband's remains, and they were finally buried at the monastery of San Pedro de Cardeña.

How did El Cid's military campaigns contribute to the political landscape of the Iberian Peninsula?

El Cid's military campaigns had a significant impact on the political landscape of the Iberian Peninsula. His victories against both Christian and Muslim forces helped shape the balance of power in the region. His establishment of the Principality of Valencia and subsequent alliances with other Christian and Muslim leaders further influenced the political dynamics of the time.

What was the significance of the Siege of Valencia and how did El Cid manage to defend the city?

The Siege of Valencia was a pivotal moment in El Cid's career, demonstrating his military genius and solidifying his control over the city. He defended Valencia against a large Almoravid force by using a combination of surprise attacks, strategic deception, and the element of surprise. His victory not only secured Valencia but also deterred future Almoravid attacks.

How did El Cid's legacy continue after his death, and what is his significance in Spanish culture?

El Cid's legacy continued through his descendants, many of whom became kings of Spain. His life and deeds have been romanticized in Spanish culture, with his name becoming synonymous with the ideal of the noble and chivalrous knight. His story has been immortalized in the epic poem 'El Cantar de Mio Cid', making him one of the most enduring figures of Spanish history.

Outlines

00:00

🏰 The Life and Legend of El Cid

El Cid, born Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar in 1043, was a multifaceted figure of the Reconquista era, known as a knight, mercenary, and warlord. He fought for both Christians and Moors, depending on political alliances. His military prowess led to his legendary status, with his tale inspiring one of the oldest Castilian epic poems. Born into a noble family in Burgos, he inherited lands from his father, Diego Lainez. Under Prince Sancho the Strong, he rose to prominence, earning the title 'Campeador' after a significant victory. Despite tensions with King Alfonso of Leon, El Cid's military skills were invaluable, leading to a marriage alliance that further elevated his status. His life was marked by numerous battles, including the famous Battle of Golpejera, and his fluctuating loyalties reflect the complex politics of the time.

05:01

🤝 Alliances and Rivalries in the Iberian Peninsula

After the death of King Sancho, El Cid's fortunes took a turn as he entered the service of his friend's brother, King Alfonso. Despite initial tensions, a strategic marriage to Jimena Díaz improved their relationship. However, a rivalry with García Ordoñez, the King's preferred knight, led to a falling out. El Cid's military campaigns, including a successful defense of Seville and a controversial ransacking of Toledo, further complicated his standing. Accused of treason by his rivals, he was exiled and began a career as a mercenary. He found employment with the Emir of Zaragoza, defending against various threats and achieving significant victories, which only heightened his fame and reputation as a formidable warrior.

10:04

🏺 The Rise of an Independent Warlord

El Cid's service to the Moors and his subsequent battles, including a decisive victory at the Battle of Almenar, led to his recognition as a leader by both Christians and Muslims. His capture of the title 'Cid' and his service under Al-Mutaman further solidified his status. However, political shifts and the Almoravids' rise in the Iberian Peninsula led to El Cid's recall to Leon. Pardoned by King Alfonso, he was tasked with vassalizing the taifa of Valencia. Despite being exiled a second time due to suspicions of treachery, El Cid established himself as an independent warlord. He successfully defended against attacks from the Emir of Lerida and the Count of Barcelona, and through strategic warfare, he secured his control over Valencia, becoming its Prince.

15:10

🏰 The Siege of Valencia and El Cid's Legacy

The Siege of Valencia was a pivotal moment in El Cid's life, as he successfully defended the city against the Almoravids, using a surprise night assault to rout the enemy. This victory, along with the establishment of alliances with the Kingdom of Aragon and the conquest of additional strongholds, cemented his control over the region. Despite personal tragedy, including the death of his son Diego, El Cid continued to secure his legacy through strategic marriages for his daughters and the strengthening of alliances. His death in 1099 marked the end of an era, but his state was inherited by his wife, Jimena Díaz, who maintained its independence until the Almoravids' attack in 1102 forced its abandonment. El Cid's life remains a symbol of the complex and fascinating history of the Middle Ages.

Keywords

💡Reconquista

The Reconquista was a period in the history of the Iberian Peninsula of about 700 years between the 8th and 15th centuries in which Christian kingdoms gradually retook territory from Muslim rule. In the video, El Cid is portrayed as a significant figure during this time, fighting for both Christians and Muslims, showcasing his role in the complex tapestry of the Reconquista.

💡El Cid

El Cid, also known as Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, is a legendary figure in Spanish history who is both a national hero and a symbol of the complex interactions between Christians and Muslims during the Reconquista. The video details his life, military prowess, and the duality of his service to both sides, reflecting his status as a 'knight of two worlds'.

💡Campeador

The term 'Campeador' translates to 'champion' or 'master of the battlefield'. In the video, Rodrigo earns this nickname after leading a counterattack that results in the capture of King Alfonso of Leon, highlighting his martial skill and strategic acumen.

💡Almoravids

The Almoravids were a Berber Muslim dynasty from the western Sahara that moved into the Iberian Peninsula in the 11th century. They played a significant role in the Reconquista by challenging Christian expansion and are mentioned in the video as a powerful force that El Cid had to confront and defeat to secure his rule over Valencia.

💡Siege of Zamora

The Siege of Zamora was a pivotal event in the video where King Sancho of Castile was fatally wounded. This event marked a turning point in El Cid's life, as it led to the end of his close relationship with King Sancho and set the stage for his future actions and alliances.

💡Taifa

A 'Taifa' refers to the petty kingdoms that emerged in the Iberian Peninsula following the collapse of the Caliphate of Córdoba. These states were independent Muslim territories that El Cid interacted with throughout his military career, sometimes fighting against them and at other times allying with them, as depicted in the video.

💡Knight Errant

A 'Knight Errant' is a knight who travels in search of adventure or as a mercenary. After his exile, El Cid operates as a soldier of fortune, offering his military services to different lords and kingdoms. This term encapsulates the period of his life where he was a wandering warrior, exemplified by his service to the Emir of Zaragoza.

💡Battle of Almenar

The Battle of Almenar is a specific conflict mentioned in the video where El Cid, despite being outnumbered, successfully defends the Castle of Almenar against a combined force from Lerida and Barcelona. This battle showcases El Cid's tactical brilliance and his ability to inspire his troops to victory.

💡Cid

The name 'Cid' is a Spanish variation of the Arabic term 'sīdi', meaning 'master' or 'lord'. It is first used to refer to El Cid after his great victory, reflecting his elevated status among his Moorish soldiers. The video uses this title to denote the respect and authority he commanded in the Iberian Peninsula.

💡Prince of Valencia

After the lengthy siege and conquest of Valencia, El Cid styles himself as the 'Prince of Valencia', signifying his establishment as a ruler in his own right. The video highlights this as a peak moment in his career, where he transitions from a knight to a sovereign, governing a diverse and multicultural state.

💡Alfonso VI of León and Castile

Alfonso VI was a key monarch in the video who had a complex relationship with El Cid. Initially an adversary, later a reluctant ally, and finally an enemy who exiles El Cid, Alfonso's interactions with El Cid are central to the narrative of the video. His reign and decisions provide a backdrop to many of El Cid's military and political endeavors.

Highlights

El Cid, born Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar in 1043, is a renowned figure of the Reconquista and a Spanish national hero.

Rodrigo was a knight, mercenary, outlaw, and warlord who fought for both Christian and Moorish sides during the Reconquista.

Rodrigo's father, Diego Lainez, was a Castilian knight who left him an inheritance, including the towns of Vivar and Uvierna.

Prince Sancho the Strong took Rodrigo into his service, where he gained military experience and was honored for his bravery.

Rodrigo earned the nickname 'Campeador' after leading a counterattack that resulted in the capture of King Alfonso of Leon.

After the death of King Sancho, Rodrigo's relationship with the new King Alfonso was initially strained but later improved.

Rodrigo's marriage to Jimena Díaz brought him closer to the high nobility and resulted in three children.

Rodrigo faced rivalry with García Ordoñez, count of Najera, who was King Alfonso's preferred knight.

Rodrigo was falsely accused of stealing tribute, leading to his first exile where he became a soldier of fortune.

In exile, Rodrigo served the Emir Al-Muqtadir of Zaragoza and defended his state against various threats.

Rodrigo was known as 'Cid', a title given by his Moorish soldiers, which translates to 'lord' or 'master'.

El Cid was pardoned by King Alfonso after the Battle of Sagrajas and tasked with vassalizing the taifa of Valencia.

El Cid's second exile led him to establish himself as an independent warlord, controlling several taifas in the Levante.

Rodrigo's strategic victory against the Almoravids at the siege of Valencia secured his control over the city.

El Cid formed an alliance with the Kingdom of Aragon, which helped repel a major Almoravid attack in 1097.

Rodrigo's dominion over Valencia was consolidated after capturing key strongholds and converting the mosque into a cathedral.

El Cid's death in 1099 led to his wife, Jimena Díaz, inheriting his state, which she maintained for three more years.

El Cid's legacy includes being an undefeated warrior, creating his own state, and serving both Christians and Muslims.

Transcripts

El Cid is one of the most well-known figures of the Reconquista, and he’s regarded nowadays

as a Spanish national hero and champion of Christianity.

But during his life, he was more than just that: he was a knight, a mercenary, an outlaw,

and a warlord; he fought for both sides of the Reconquista, attacking the Moors when

they were weak, and helping them defend themselves when his relationship with the Christian kings

was sour.

At the end of his life, he had proven his military prowess and had become a legend,

inspiring with his tale one of the oldest Castilian epic poems of history.

Welcome to our video on the legend of two worlds - Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar.

When Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar was born in 1043, the Iberian Peninsula was in a period of great

change: the Caliphate of Cordoba was collapsing; dozens of little Muslim states, known as taifas,

were becoming independent; the Christian kingdoms were rapidly expanding and turning against

each other; and in the Castilian lands, a new state was rising.

Here’s where Rodrigo was born, in the burgeoning city of Burgos, amidst an illustrious family.

His father, Diego Lainez, was a Castilian knight of impressive bravery, fighting for

King Fernando the Great in the frontiers with the Kingdom of Navarre.

Through his campaigning, Diego conquered several settlements in Castille, including the towns

of Vivar and Uvierna, which he came to own and then left as inheritance for his son.

Upon his father’s death, Rodrigo was left a young and rich landlord that wanted to follow

in his footsteps, and to become a renowned knight just like him.

Prince Sancho the Strong, one of Fernando’s sons that governed the province of Castille,

saw the potential in Rodrigo and took him into his entourage to complete his military

education.

With Sancho, Rodrigo experienced his first military campaigns against the taifa of Zaragoza,

concluding with Emir Al-Muqtadir surrendering unconditionally and becoming a vassal of the

Castilian prince.

As his new vassal was also threatened by the Kingdom of Aragon, Sancho then took Rodrigo

to the city of Graus where the two Christian armies battled for the dominance of Zaragoza.

This was Rodrigo’s first battle, and the young knight fought with such braveness and

ferocity that Sancho honored him with a distinguished title for his service.

In 1065, King Fernando would die, dividing his realm amongst his sons and daughters,

and Sancho would become the first King of Castille as a result.

By this time, Rodrigo was already one of the most renowned warriors in the Iberian Peninsula,

and he was also a good friend to King Sancho, acting as his preferred knight and having

the honor of carrying the royal banner.

Because he thought himself the legitimate heir to King Fernando, Sancho attempted throughout

his reign to reunite the Spanish kingdoms under his name.

Consequently, he warred against his brothers, in particular against King Alfonso of Leon.

In these years, Rodrigo met Alfonso’s forces in several pitched battles, demonstrating

great courage and thus increasing his personal prestige.

The wars between the brothers culminated at the famous Battle of Golpejera, where the

forces of Castille and Leon clashed in a chaotic struggle for the dominance of both kingdoms.

Initially, the Leonese were expelled and had to retreat, but then King Alfonso reinforced

his army and led it back to meet the Castilians.

After a fierce fight, the Castilians were pushed back, and King Sancho barely managed

to escape alive.

But while they were retreating, Rodrigo stepped in and advised his king to turn back and counterattack

the Leonese army, thinking that Alfonso’s forces would still be celebrating their victory

with their guard down.

Led by Rodrigo, the Castilians attacked with such ferocity that the Leonese never knew

what hit them.

Alfonso was captured and exiled, and Sancho became King of Leon.

Rodrigo, meanwhile, became famous for his great victory and received the nickname “Campeador”,

which means “champion” or “master of the battlefield”.

With Leon and Galicia secured, the only realm left for Sancho to reunite was the lordship

of Zamora, under the hands of his sister Urraca.

During the Siege of Zamora, Rodrigo’s life would change forever as his friend and liege,

Sancho, would be severely injured by an astute soldier, ending the siege and the monarch’s

life.

For Nine months Alfonso had been living in exile at the taifa of Toledo when the news

of his brother’s death reached him; nine months after his greatest defeat at the hands

of Rodrigo; and now, the exiled King returned to Leon to inherit all the lands that Sancho

had strived in his lifetime to reunite.

Yet despite his resentment against Rodrigo, Alfonso was a wise king, and he knew that

it was better to maintain Rodrigo’s military expertise alongside him.

To keep Rodrigo in his service, Alfonso decided to marry him with Jimena Díaz, one of his

cousins.

Rodrigo’s relationship with Alfonso thus improved, and his marriage to Jimena was very

beneficial as well, bringing him very close to high nobility and having three children

with her.

Although Rodrigo and Alfonso were in better terms now, Rodrigo wouldn’t recover the

high position he enjoyed with Sancho; instead, King Alfonso’s preferred knight would be

García Ordoñez, count of Najera, which would develop a fierce rivalry with Rodrigo.

In 1079, Alfonso assembled his most trustworthy knights to collect tribute from his Moorish

vassals, as they had a vassalage contract of protection with the Leonese King in exchange

for annual tribute.

Rodrigo was among these knights, and he was sent to the taifa of Seville under the Emir

Al-Mu’tamid.

When Rodrigo arrived at Seville, Al-Mu’tamid was amidst an ongoing war with the taifa of

Granada, and so the Emir called Rodrigo to honor their contract and come in his defense.

Concurrently, the count of Najera had been sent to Granada with the same objective, and

he had been asked the same for the Emir of Granada, to which he gladly agreed.

Rodrigo tried, to no avail, to peacefully resolve the conflict between the two taifas,

but when the count of Najera invaded with a huge Moorish army, Rodrigo had no other

choice but to interfere.

At the castle of Cabra, he led the Sevillian army against that of Granada, and he won a

great victory, capturing his rival in battle and further increasing his prestige.

When he returned to Seville, Al-Mu’tamid happily paid his tribute and also offered

many gifts to Rodrigo for his bravery.

As he got back to Leon, even Alfonso praised his ferocity in battle, although the count

of Najera, now released from Rodrigo’s imprisonment, falsely accused him of stealing part of the

tribute for himself, which fell on the King’s deaf ears.

A year later however, the Emir of Toledo attacked the castle of Gormaz and was defeated by Rodrigo.

The Castilian knight decided to pursue his foe without the agreement of King Alfonso,

ransacking the countryside of Toledo as a result, which earned the ire of Alfonso, who

was convinced by envious count of Najera, and other enemies of Rodrigo, to exile him.

Saddened by the news, Rodrigo took his wife and children and left to seek employment elsewhere,

essentially working as a soldier of fortune.

In Zaragoza, the Emir Al-Muqtadir, old vassal of King Sancho, and an old acquaintance of

the Castilian knight, received him with open arms and trusted him with the defense of his

state.

But the Moor was very old and sick, and he would perish a few months later, dividing

his realm between his two sons, with Al-Mutaman receiving the taifa of Zaragoza and Al-Mundhir

receiving the taifa of Lerida.

Rodrigo would remain in the service of Al-Mutaman for four years, earning his trust and friendship,

and occupying a high position in the court of Zaragoza.

With his new patron, Rodrigo defended the Moorish realm from the armies of King Sancho

of Aragon, Count Berenguer of Barcelona, and even from Al-Mutaman’s brother, the Emir

of Lerida.

At the Battle of Almenar for instance, the combined forces of Lerida and Barcelona were

besieging the castle of Almenar with a huge army.

First, Rodrigo attempted to pay them off, but Count Berenguer noticed that his army

was bigger than that of Zaragoza, and so decided to refuse Al-Mutaman’s payment, mocking

him about Rodrigo’s chances and continuing the siege instead.

Irritated by his refusal, the knight ordered his men to arm themselves and started marching

into battle.

Thus, Berenguer’s forces were taken by surprise by the ferocious drive of Rodrigo’s army,

suffering huge casualties and the imprisonment of Count Berenguer himself.

Another important battle came in 1084, as Al-Mutaman sent Rodrigo to ransack Lerida’s

lands and to attempt to conquer a route into the sea.

This time, the Emir of Lerida managed to get an alliance with the King of Aragon, marching

together to Morella with the objective of repelling the Castilian outcast.

Rodrigo faced them with his smaller army, and after a grueling struggle, the Aragonese

forces retreated, with Rodrigo in pursuit.

The knight essentially destroyed his foe and captured more than 2000 men.

It’s probably in this great victory that Rodrigo was first called sīdi by his Moorish

soldiers, translated in Spanish into Cid, although there is no evidence of contemporary

use of this name.

That same year, Al-Mutaman would die of old age and would be succeeded by his son, Al-Musta'in,

whom El Cid continued to serve for some time.

But when the Almoravids entered into the Iberian Peninsula and defeated King Alfonso at the

Battle of Sagrajas, Rodrigo was recalled back into Leon and was pardoned by Alfonso, who

needed strong military men to face the Almoravid threat.

Now reconciled with his liege, El Cid departed Castille at the head of a small army to vassalize

the taifa of Valencia.

There, he managed to scare off the forces of the Count of Barcelona and those of Emir

Al-Qadir of Valencia, who then became a vassal to King Alfonso.

In 1088, the Almoravids returned to the Iberian Peninsula to wage war upon the Christian kingdoms.

Joined by the southern taifas, they laid siege to the castle of Aledo, to which Alfonso marched

to defend.

Naturally, Alfonso asked his best knights, including Rodrigo, to join him in this struggle,

but El Cid had a logistics problem, and he ended up waiting for his liege on a different

route to that which Alfonso had taken.

In the end, the Christians managed to win the day, although El Cid failed to join them

in battle.

For this, King Alfonso was very furious and, fueled by the count of Najera’s suspicions

that Rodrigo was a traitor, he ended up exiling him for a second time.

This time however, all of Rodrigo’s goods were taken, and his wife and children were

imprisoned.

Incensed by the actions of King Alfonso, El Cid marched to the Levante and established

himself as an independent warlord, sacking the taifa of Lerida and vassalizing the taifa

of Valencia.

For the second time, the Emir of Lerida and the Count of Barcelona felt threatened by

Rodrigo’s might, and so decided to join forces to oust him.

Being a good friend to El Cid, the Emir Al-Musta'in of Zaragoza pledged his support for Rodrigo

and alerted him of the impending attack.

El Cid then placed his forces atop mount Tevar, and sent mocking letters to Count Berenguer

with the objective of encouraging him to attack.

This was very effective, so the Count launched a surprise night assault, which managed to

encircle the army of Zaragoza.

Surrounded, El Cid used his wit to set up a ruse to divide Berenguer’s forces: he

sent several Moorish soldiers to act as deserters and inform the Count that Rodrigo was going

to escape throughout the mountains.

Berenguer believed this, and so he divided his forces to cover the escape routes.

There, the soldiers of Barcelona were ambushed and routed by Rodrigo’s men.

El Cid then reunited his forces and charged against the remaining soldiers of Berenguer.

After a fierce struggle, Rodrigo came out on top again, resulting in the Count being

imprisoned along with 50 of his finest knights.

Once the battle had concluded, the Castilian warlord treated them with great mercy and

agreed to set them free in exchange for a huge tribute.

The Count and El Cid would remain friends and would not fight each other ever again,

with Rodrigo becoming the most powerful man in the Levante and establishing a protectorate

over the taifas of Lerida, Albarracín, Alpuente and Valencia.

Using his newfound influence, El Cid brokered a peace between his friend Al-Musta'in and

the King of Aragon, he negotiated with King Alfonso for the release of his family, and

he even went so far as to raid the lands of the count of Najera, his long-time rival.

But in 1092, his dominance of the Levante was finally contested by the Almoravids, who

managed to depose and execute the Emir Al-Qadir of Valencia, taking control of the city and

the surrounding lands.

In response, El Cid gathered thousands of men and moved to the village of Cebolla to

prepare for the conquest of Valencia.

The siege of Valencia lasted almost nine months, and in the meantime, Rodrigo battled against

some of his rebellious Moorish vassals, such as the Emir of Albarracín.

In the end, the city had become depleted and had to concede defeat, opening the gates to

El Cid’s army.

Victorious, Rodrigo established a lordship over the city, self-styling himself as Prince

of Valencia.

Angered by this turn of events, the Almoravids sent a huge army to reconquer the city, making

camp at Cuarte to prepare for the siege.

For several days the Saracens laid siege to Rodrigo’s capital, howling and shooting

arrows against the walls of the city.

But on the tenth day, El Cid gathered the defenders and launched a surprise assault

against the Almoravid army.

During the night, Rodrigo secretly left the city with most of his men to place themselves

at the rear of the Almoravid camp at Cuarte; meanwhile, at dawn, a small Christian force

would exit the city through the western gate to draw the besieging army away from camp.

Once the Muslim vanguard was far away, El Cid charged against the Almoravid camp with

such strength and bravery that the Saracens were completely routed and quickly disbanded.

At the same time, the vanguard of the Almoravids saw their rearguard collapse and thought that

King Alfonso had come with reinforcements to lift the siege, so they also disbanded

and started to retreat.

Thus, El Cid won with his astute plan an amazing victory, securing his control over Valencia

and further solidifying his new state.

Around the same time, King Sancho of Aragon died and his son Pedro succeeded him.

As the young King feared an incoming attack by the Almoravids, he rapidly reached out

to El Cid with a proposition of friendship, to which Rodrigo agreed.

And so, in result, the Kingdom of Aragon and the Principality of Valencia formally entered

into an alliance.

The next year, Rodrigo campaigned around his state to conquer the castles of Olocau and

Serra, two Muslim strongholds, with the intention of safeguarding the surroundings of Valencia.

Yet in 1097, the Almoravids gathered a formidable army to reconquer Valencia and avenge their

previous defeat.

The alliance with Aragon came in handy, as King Pedro marched with his army and joined

El Cid at Valencia.

Together, the two combined armies would repel the attack of the Almoravids, who wouldn’t

dare to attack El Cid ever again.

Rodrigo would then conquer the Muslim strongholds of Almenara and Sagunto, finally consolidating

his dominion over the entire taifa of Valencia.

This success would be celebrated with the consecration of the old mosque of Valencia,

which was transformed into the Cathedral of Santa María.

Yet the joy wouldn’t last very long, as his son Diego would perish at the Battle of

Consuegra while in the service of King Alfonso.

The grief caused by the passing of his son, along with his old age, would take a heavy

toll on El Cid’s health.

In 1099, one of his last actions would be to marry his daughters with Count Ramón Berenguer

of Barcelona and with Lord Ramiro Sánchez of Pamplona, forging alliances with both of

them.

Consequently, El Cid would become an ancestor to many kings of Spain, and would leave his

state with powerful alliances capable of defending it after he was gone.

That same year, Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, known as El Cid Campeador, would die of old age

and would be buried at the Cathedral that he founded.

The state that he created was inherited by his wife, Jimena Díaz, who managed to maintain

its independence for three more years.

But in 1102, the Almoravids attacked with a huge army, and the city had to be abandoned.

Jimena then traveled back to Castille with the remains of her husband, and El Cid would

be finally buried at the monastery of San Pedro de Cardeña.

Thus ended the life of one of the most fascinating heroes of the Middle Ages, who remained undefeated

throughout his life, who managed to create his own state and become an independent warlord,

and who fought for both Christians and Muslims alike as a true knight of two worlds.

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