El Cid And The Reconquista

The very name El Cid sums up much of the special character of medieval Spanish warfare. It comes from the Arabic al sayyid, master or chieftain, and seems to have been given to Rodrigo de Vivar by his Muslim foes. But was it given in recognition of El Cid's victories against Islam in the 'Reconquista' – or because this Castilian nobleman was as content to serve beside the Muslims as to fight them? The story of the Christian conquest of the Iberian peninsula which gave rise to the legend of El Cid, is here examined by David Nicolle, who outlines the history, tactics, arms and armour of the period.

2. Aledo and the Cid's Second Exile -- XI The Cid Faces the Almoravide -- 1. The Cid again subdues the East -- 2. The Almoravide Danger Grows -- 3. The Emperor overshadowed by the Cid -- Part V The Cid Defies the Emir-Al-Mumenin -- XII The Struggle for Valencia -- 1. Valencia in Revolt -- 2. First Siege of Valencia -- 3. The Cid defies Yusuf -- XIII The Cid Subdues the Rebel City -- 1. Valencia Left to Her Fate -- 2. Surrender of the Besieged -- XIV The Almoravides Repulsed -- 1. The First Almoravide Defeat -- 2. Al-Kadir Avenged -- 3. The Cid, Master of Valencia

Makes available, for the first time in English translation, four of the principal narrative sources for the history of the Spanish kingdom of León-Castile during the eleventh and twelfth centuries. Three chronicles focus primarily upon the activities of the kings of León-Castile as leaders of the Reconquest of Spain from the forces of Islam, and especially upon Fernando I (1037-65), his son Alfonso VI (1065-1109) and the latter's grandson Alfonso VII (1126-57). The fourth chronicle is a biography of the hero Rodrigo Díaz, better remembered as El Cid, and is the main source of information about his extraordinary career as a mercenary soldier who fought for Christian and Muslim alike. Covers the fascinating interaction of the Muslim and Christian worlds, each at the height of their power. Each text is prefaced by its own introduction and accompanied by explanatory notes.

This is the epic Cid, who in the last quarter of the eleventh century was banished by Alphonso VI of Castile, fought his way to the Mediterranean, stormed Valencia, married his two daughters to the Heirs of Carrión and defended his fair name in parliament and in battle. Here in this national epic, we see not only El Cid the militaristic hero, but also the loyal subject, the man of faith, the loving father, in truth, aspects of his character that many do not see or care to pay enough attention to. Behold, the Christian hero who was pivotal to the Reconquista, recovering Christian lands lost to invading Islamic forces.

El Cid. The legendary warrior of medieval Spain whose battles were a precursor for the upcoming Crusades in Europe and the Middle East. In this chronicle, the life of El Cid is explored as he attempts to bring together both Moor and Christian into a unified Spain. With amazing painted full color images by acclaimed noted artist Wayne Reid and written by award winning author Gary Reed. Part 1 of 2. Overview: A look at the man who was El Cid. Here was a man thought by some to be a simple mercenary and by others, a patriotic leader of Spain and Christianity. Although he fought for the Church, it was he that tried to unite the two different worlds of Christianity and Islam. It was his glorious victory (even after he was dead) that set the stage for the next event that would occupy Europe¡¯s next hundred years...The Crusades. The true story of El Cid is one of legend as well as mystery. But the impact of the person known as El Cid is indeed known. It was in Spain, which was more African than European at that time, where the Arab world and the European world clashed. A time when the newer religion of Islam came up against the might of Christianity. The fight for Spain between the two religions predated the great expeditions of the Crusades and served as a foretelling of the wars of the faiths that would affect so much of the world's history. It is a story of one man, the nation's hero who could haven taken over the rule yet was still blindly obedient to his King. It is a saga of two men who had different gods yet believed in the goal of mankind first and fought to keep the two worlds co-existing together. It is a story of love as the wife of El Cid allows her husband an undignified death in order that he could led his army in one last battle. It would be his farewell battle...a swan song....the song of the Cid would live forever. A Caliber Comics release.

The Epic of the Cid records the deeds of Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, the Cid of history and legend. A powerful warrior in the Christian reconquest of medieval Spain, a formidable strategist, and a charismatic leader, the Cid deeply impressed his contemporaries, both Christian and Muslim. Already, in his lifetime, songs, stories, and chronicles were devoted to his exploits. In offering both a highly readable, colloquial prose translation of El Cantar de Mio Cid and selections from a wide variety of those contemporary accounts, this volume brings the historical figure back to life for modern readers. Harney's substantial Introduction and annotation provide the historical, military, and literary background necessary for an informed reading of the texts; also included are maps, a compendium of proper names, a bibliography, and an index.