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97-542: The monastery was initially founded on a different site called Montesacro in about 1146 by Domingo Gómez, illegitimate son of Queen Urraca of León and Castile and her lover Count Gómez González de Candespina . Domingo had become interested in the Praemonstratensian order on a visit to France, and this was the first Praemonstratensian house in Spain. The monastery was then moved to its present site in 1152, having been given

194-921: A breach of their agreement. However, Alfonso paid no heed to Al-Mu'tamid's warnings and continued his conquests, with the intention of subjugating all the Muslim emirates. The Taifa of Zaragoza soon faced the same threat that had befallen Toledo, prompting most Muslim rulers in Al-Andalus to conclude that there was no refuge from Alfonso except by seeking the help of the Almoravids in North Africa . Alfonso VI, King of Castile, who ruled over Galicia , parts of Portugal , Asturias , Lyon , and Biscay , joined forces with Sancho I , King of Aragon and Navarre , and Count Berengar Raymond of Barcelona and Urgell . These Christian rulers, after years of internal conflicts, united with

291-496: A camp in the Dar Al-Sina'a (House of Industry) under the leadership of Dawud ibn Aisha, who ensured the island was guarded on all sides. Dawud ibn Aisha subsequently contacted Al-Mu'tamid to inform him of their arrival and requested the evacuation of the island as previously agreed with Yusuf ibn Tashfin. After some initial hesitation, Al-Mu'tamid decided to honor the commitment made during his diplomatic missions to Marrakech. He sent

388-504: A conflict in the Moroccan desert. Upon Abu Bakr's return several years later, he found that the situation had stabilized under Yusuf's control, leading him to relinquish the throne to Yusuf. Yusuf successfully consolidated his authority across the western Maghreb , unifying the region under a central power. He entered Fez in 455 AH (1063 CE) and subsequently captured Tlemcen , Tangier , and Ceuta . In 454 AH (1062 CE), Ibn Tashfin founded

485-585: A detailed reply addressing each point raised in Alfonso's correspondence. However, after reviewing the response, Yusuf felt it was overly lengthy and ordered his scribe to write a succinct message on the back of Alfonso's letter: "From the Prince of the Muslims, Yusuf, to Alfonso. As for your letter, the answer is what you will see with your own eyes, not what you hear with your ears. Peace be upon those who follow guidance." On

582-432: A good husband his good wife" and he could not request the annulment of their marriage referring to their kinship or excommunication . The document confirmed the right of Urraca's son by her first marriage to inherit León in case the couple died without issue. The Galician aristocrats' traditional desire for independence awakened and they used the defense of Alfonso Raimúndez's right to rule Galicia and succeed his mother as

679-569: A heavy defeat on Alfonso VI at Sagrajas in 1086 and Urraca's marriage to Raymond was part of Alfonso's diplomatic strategy to attract cross-Pyrenees alliances. The first authentic document mentioning Urraca as Raymond's wife, a letter of grant to one Hermenegildo Rodríguez, was issued on 22 February 1093, but interpolated documents refer to them as husband and wife already before 1088. Historians Ángel Gordo Molina and Diego Melo Carrasco propose that Raymond wed Urraca likely before early 1090 when royal diplomas first present them as rulers of

776-543: A love affair with the Castilian aristocrat Gómez González . Sancho Alfónsez died fighting against the Almoravids at Uclés on 29 May 1108. After her half-brother's unexpected death, Urraca became their father's sole heir. Her new position was ceremoniously confirmed at an assembly of "almost all nobles and counts of Spain" shortly before her father died on 30 June or 1 July 1108. Urraca succeeded her father as

873-445: A message to Yusuf ibn Tashfin stating, “We have relieved you of the burden of provisions and sending supplies to our troops as promised.” In response, Al-Mu'tamid instructed his son, Al-Radi ibn Al-Mu'tamid, who was then the governor of Al-Jazira Al-Khadra, to evacuate the island immediately for the Almoravids. Upon entering the island, the Almoravids restored order, having initially harbored doubts due to Al-Mu'tamid's delay in vacating

970-534: A mocking letter to Ibn Abbad, stating, "My lengthy stay has caused an abundance of flies in my council, and the heat has become unbearable. Please send me a fan from your palace so that I may refresh myself and drive the flies away." In response, Ibn Abbad adopted a tone of defiance and determination, clearly distancing himself from any notion of submission. He penned a reply directly on the back of Alfonso's letter: "I have read your letter and understood your arrogance and self-importance. I will arrange for fans made from

1067-671: A plain located north of Batalyaws, near the current borders of Portugal , known in Islamic narratives as Zalaqa and referred to by the Spaniards as Sagrajas. In this plain, the leaders of Andalusia agreed to unite as one. Abdullah ibn Bulqīn, the Emir of Granada, stated: "We contracted with the Emir of the Muslims that we would work together to wage war against the Romans with his assistance, and that no one would intrude into our lands or come upon our subjects with

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1164-503: A portion of the patrimony, as well as the forced marriage with Alfonso I of Aragon – contributed in large part to the challenges Urraca faced upon her succession. Additionally, the circumstance of Urraca’s gender added a distinctive role-reversal dimension to diplomacy and politics, which Urraca used to her advantage. Urraca is characterized in the Historia Compostelana as prudent, modest, and with good sense. According to Reilly,

1261-458: A pretext for a rebellion. After their leader Pedro Fróilaz de Traba announced that Urraca had lost her claim to rule Galicia when re-marrying, they proclaimed Alfonso Raimúndez king. Pedro Arias, Pedro Gudesteiz and other Galician nobles who remained loyal to Urraca formed a brotherhood against Pedro Fróilaz and his allies. They offered the leadership to Diego Gelmírez, who had been elevated to Bishop of Compostella , but Gelmírez remained neutral in

1358-456: A sensation soon confirmed when Alfonso I appointed Aragonese and Navarrese nobles for important public posts and as holders of fortresses. From Galicia, the count of Traba began the first aggressive movement against the monarchs reclaiming the hereditary rights of Alfonso Raimúndez. In response to the Galician rebellion, Alfonso I of Aragon marched with his army to Galicia and in 1110, reestablished

1455-641: A succession crisis through an alliance with their brother-in-law Henry of Portugal. Their treaty was confirmed in the presence of a high-ranking monk from the Abbey of Cluny late in 1105 or early in 1106. They agreed on the division of their father-in-law's realms without referring to Sancho's claims and Henry promised to rule his portion as Raymond's vassal. Raymond fell seriously ill and died in Grajal de Campos in September 1107. The widowed Urraca took full responsibility of

1552-453: A suitable husband for his daughter and heir was the elderly King's most important task before his death. Alfonso I married Urraca in the castle of Monzón in October or November 1109. In December, Urraca granted her "whole land that used to be" her father's to her husband whom she mentioned as "lord and my spouse". In the same document, she stipulated that Alfonso should respect her "like

1649-438: A truce was brokered between Urraca and Alfonso with their marriage annulled . Though Urraca recovered Asturias, Leon, and Galicia, Alfonso occupied a significant portion of Castile (where Urraca enjoyed large support), while her half-sister Theresa and her husband Count Henry of Portugal occupied Zamora and Extremadura . Recovering these regions and expanding into Muslim lands would occupy much of Urraca's foreign policy. Despite

1746-506: Is lost. You, may God support you, are the King of Morocco ; I seek refuge in God, then in you, to come forth and wage jihad against this infidel enemy. Peace be upon your highness, and may God's mercy and blessings be upon you." Upon receiving the letter, Ibn Tashfin honored its bearers and consulted his leaders and princes, who advised him to cross into Andalusia. He then sent a reply to Ibn Abbad: "From

1843-526: Is mentioned in the Historia Compostelana in connection with her donation of the village of Arquillinos to Diego Gelmírez. Elvira would twice wed, first to García Pérez de Traba, lord of Trastámara and son of Pedro Fróilaz de Traba , then to count Beltrán de Risnel . Battle of Sagrajas The Battle of Sagrajas (23 October 1086), also called Zalaca or Zallaqah ( Arabic : معركة الزلاقة , romanized :  Maʿrakat az-Zallāqah ),

1940-511: Is well documented and he disliked Urraca's son. She disdained her husband for his superstitious nature, in particular for his fear of ravens and crows, and he killed a Galician noble who had sought Urraca's protection in Monterroso during their campaign in Galicia. Her husband regularly shamed her in the royal court and often went as far as beating and kicking her in public. Urraca's letter of grant to

2037-560: The Historia Compostelana —attribute the proposal about Urraca's marriage to Alfonso I , King of Aragon and Navarre , to the Leonese aristocrats. They were reportedly convinced that a female monarch would be unable to rule and defend the kingdom against the Almoravids and forced Urraca to marry to "the bloodthirsty and cruel Aragonese tyrant" against her will. Bernard of Sédirac , Archbishop of Toledo , raised objections against

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2134-594: The Abbey of Santo Domingo de Silos is the earliest attestation to her will to get rid of her husband's tutelage. In the document, she styled herself as "queen of whole Spain and daughter of Emperor Alfonso" on 13 June 1110. The exact circumstances of Urraca's separation from her husband are uncertain. According to contemporaneous sources, she left Alfonso after consulting with her advisors. Rodrigo Jiménez de Rada writes that Alfonso repudiated her for her infidelity leaving her "free to do whatever she pleased". The last document mentioning Urraca in her second husband's company

2231-869: The Fitna of Al-Andalus , which lasted until 422 AH. The conflict led to the disintegration of the caliphate into smaller, independent states called the Taifa kingdoms. Among the most prominent of these were the Hammudid dynasty , who ruled Málaga and Algeciras in the south; the Banu Abbad id in Seville , the most powerful of the Taifa kings; the Dhulnunid dynasty in Toledo ; the Banu Hud in Zaragoza in

2328-537: The Kingdom of Castile , securing military assistance against other Taifa rulers in exchange for paying tribute to Castile. One of the results of this alliance was Alfonso VI's capture of Toledo —the former Visigothic capital —in 478 AH (1085 CE), just a year before the Battle of Sagrajas (Zallaqa). The fall of Toledo marked a permanent loss for the Muslims, who had ruled the city for 372 years. Alfonso VI subsequently made Toledo

2425-528: The Taifa of Toledo and the Taifa of Córdoba , initially involving the rulers of Toledo, Córdoba, and Seville. This struggle persisted for years until Al-Mamun ibn Dhul-Nun , the ruler of Toledo, allied with Ferdinand I , the King of León and Castile, which enabled him to capture Valencia . At the same time, Al-Mu'tamid ibn Abbad , the ruler of Seville, expanded his territory by seizing Murcia , Orihuela , and other cities. Al-Mu'tamid then allied with Alfonso VI ,

2522-496: The judge Abu Al-Walid Al-Baji and numerous scholars. The people of Al-Andalus rejoiced at the arrival of the Almoravids and their leader, paving the way for the Almoravid presence in the region. Upon learning of Ibn Tashfin's arrival at Al-Jazira Al-Khadra, Al-Mu'tamid sent his son to meet him while he focused on securing provisions for the army. The poet Al-Hamiri noted, “He ordered the citizens to bring food and hospitality, and Yusuf

2619-431: The " Land of Portugal " to his illegitimate daughter Theresa and her husband Henry of Burgundy around 1094. As a woman, Urraca was under the tutelage of her husband. Raymond was mentioned at the first place in almost all documents issued during his rule as Count of Galicia. Two documents, both confirming privileges of the burghers of Santiago de Compostella , referred to her as "Queen Urraca" in 1095 and 1105. The use of

2716-450: The "Land of Saint James ", or Galicia . Raymond reached the age of majority by the time of the marriage, but Alfonso VI continued to control the administration of Galicia. His representative in Galicia, Pedro Vimaraz, died around the time of the wedding and Alfonso appointed Arias Diaz as his successor. A talented young clergyman, Diego Gelmírez , was made the "chancellor and secretary" of Raymond and Urraca with Alfonso's consent. On

2813-441: The Almoravids was finalized. Meanwhile, upon learning of his minister's murder and the events surrounding his envoy, Alfonso swore by his gods that he would not rest until he avenged his minister. He vowed to gather a force as numerous as the hairs on his head and march them to the sea of Zuqaq . Alfonso VI executed his plan to invade the Muslim territories, laying siege to Ibn Abbad in his palace. During this period, Alfonso sent

2910-513: The Book of Allah, for you are its rightful followers, and by the hadith of the Messenger of Allah, for you are the most knowledgeable of it." He concluded by stating that the bearer of the letter, a learned preacher, would provide further elaboration. Upon receiving this plea, Yusuf ibn Tashfin honored the envoys, reassured them, and promised to provide assistance. He vowed to cross into Al-Andalus and open

3007-721: The Christian advance day by day. The Almoravids , originally referred to as the "Masked Ones," were the foundation of an Islamic reform movement that emerged from the call of Sheikh Abdallah ibn Yasin and the influence of the Sanhaja tribes , particularly the Lamtuna and Judala. This movement was established on a Sunni Maliki Islamic doctrine. After Ibn Yasin's death, leadership of the Almoravid state transitioned to Abu Bakr ibn Umar , who delegated governance to Yusuf ibn Tashfin while addressing

Monastery of Santa María de La Vid - Misplaced Pages Continue

3104-642: The Commander of the Muslims to Ibn Abbad , peace, mercy, and blessings be upon you. I have received your esteemed letter and have noted your call for our assistance and the troubles you are facing. We are committed to your support and protection. However, we can only cross if you surrender the Green Island ( Algeciras ) to us, so it can serve as a base for our operations against the enemy whenever we wish. If you agree to this, please affirm it yourself. Peace, mercy, and blessings be upon you." Ibn Abbad agreed to hand over

3201-555: The Emir of Batalyaws , while the left flank consisted of troops from Eastern Andalusia. The rear guard was made up of the remaining forces from Andalusia, and the reserve force was commanded by the Emir of the Muslims, consisting of an elite group of Almoravid fighters from Morocco and his personal guard. The Muslim army advanced toward the enemy, continuing until they reached the city of Batalyaws , where they were welcomed by Al-Mutawakkil ibn al-Aftas, who provided them with necessary supplies and hospitality. They eventually arrived at

3298-461: The Emir of Seville, which was recorded in Arabic sources as follows: "From the two-faced (qenbitor) king, the favored, al-Dhifti, son of Shanjar, to Al-Mu'tamid Billah, may God guide his opinions. You have witnessed what has befallen Toledo and its regions, and the fate of its people during its siege. You have surrendered your brethren and idled away your time in complacency, without being vigilant against

3395-512: The Leonese-Castilians and the Aragonese. An alliance between Alfonso of Aragon and Henry of Portugal culminated in the 1111 Battle of Candespina in which Urraca's lover and chief supporter Gómez González was killed. He was soon replaced in both roles by another count, Pedro González de Lara , who took up the fight and would father at least two further children by Urraca. By the fall of 1112

3492-604: The Muslim side, tilting the battle in their favor. The battlefield became known as az-Zallaqah (meaning "slippery ground") due to the immense bloodshed that made the terrain treacherous, giving rise to its name in Arabic . After the death of Al-Muzaffar ibn Al-Mansur ibn Abi Amir in 399 AH, his brother Abd al-Rahman Sanchuelo assumed the position of hajib (chancellor) of the Umayyad state in Al-Andalus . Within months, Sanchuelo forced

3589-474: The Muslims being divided into two camps: the Andalusian camp and the Almoravid camp. The overall commander of the Andalusian forces was Al-Mu'tamid ibn Abbad, who organized the Muslim army as follows: the vanguard was led by Al-Mu'tamid himself, assisted by Abu Sulayman Dawud ibn Aisha, comprising ten thousand cavalry from the Almoravids. The right flank was commanded by Al-Mutawakkil 'ala Allah Umar ibn al-Aftas,

3686-572: The Muslims in the land of Morocco and their Sultan. The people of Andalusia have become weak in resisting and confronting me, and I have humbled them by taking their lands. It is your duty to aid them, as they belong to your faith. Either you come to me or send ships so that I may come to you. If I defeat you, the kingdoms of Andalusia and Morocco will be yours; if you defeat me, then their hopes for your assistance will be extinguished, as their hearts are set on your aid." Upon receiving Alfonso's letter, Yusuf instructed his scribe to respond. The scribe wrote

3783-448: The accession of her son Alfonso VII nevertheless led to a turbulent transition of power, as the new king would have to face the rebellion of her lover Pedro González upon her death, followed by an attempted invasion by the king of Aragon, and the resumption of Galician revolts. Urraca's firstborn child by Raymond, Sancha, was born before 11 November 1095. She was named for Urraca's paternal grandmother Sancha of León who transmitted

3880-631: The administration of Galicia. She styled herself "empress of whole Galicia" in her letter of grant to the Lugo Cathedral late in 1107 or early in 1108. The Galician clerics and aristocrats regarded Urraca's infant son by Raymond, Alfonso Raimúndez , as Raymond's lawful successor. The boy's position as his father's heir was confirmed in their presence at an assembly in León by Alfonso VI. The King also acknowledged his grandson's right to rule Galicia in case of Urraca's remarriage. Around this time Urraca began

3977-474: The annulment of their marriage (on the grounds of consanguinity), Alfonso continued his efforts for political control. While Urraca was engaged in this battle, she also had to contend with the schemes of her sister, who promoted a plan to replace the queen by her son. This particular incident, ended in a compromise between the two sisters where Theresa was granted a vast territory in Leon in exchange for agreeing that she

Monastery of Santa María de La Vid - Misplaced Pages Continue

4074-453: The area. Subsequently, the Almoravid contingents set sail across the sea towards Al-Andalus, chanting praises and accompanied by groups of fighters who had joined them following Ibn Tashfin's call to jihad. Ibn Al-Kurdubus noted, “He sincerely dedicated his intentions to God, filled the sea with fleets, and allowed groups to cross one after another, occupying Al-Jazira Al-Khadra with his green battalion, which included twelve thousand riders from

4171-502: The assistance of the Almoravids, believing that Marrakesh, under the leadership of Yusuf ibn Tashfin, could provide the military and political support needed to improve their deteriorating conditions and counter the growing threat from the Christian forces in the north. Al-Mutawakkil ibn al-Aftas, the Emir of Badajoz , sent a heartfelt letter to Yusuf ibn Tashfin , detailing the dire state of affairs in Al-Andalus. In his plea, he wrote: "Since

4268-441: The battlefield. Meanwhile, the Castilian forces were conducting raids across various locations in Al-Andalus, inflicting destruction before returning to Alfonso. In response, Ibn Tashfin ordered the fortification of Al-Jazira Al-Khadra, stockpiling weapons, ammunition, and food, while reinforcing its defenses to serve as a stronghold and secure point of contact between Al-Andalus and Morocco. Among those who welcomed Ibn Tashfin were

4365-465: The caliph, Hisham II al-Mu'ayyad bi-Allah , to name him as the heir to the caliphate. This unprecedented move angered the Umayyad princes, who began conspiring to regain control of the government. Ultimately, Muhammad al-Mahdi Billah succeeded in killing Sanchuelo, deposing Hisham II, and declaring himself Caliph of Al-Andalus. This event marked the beginning of a turbulent period of civil strife known as

4462-568: The capital of Castile, establishing it as a Christian stronghold. The fall of Toledo was a devastating blow to the alliance between Alfonso VI and Al-Mu'tamid, the ruler of Seville. Alfonso was not content with just Toledo; he also seized all the lands along both banks of the Tagus River , including the fortresses of Madrid , Mérida , and Badajoz . Alarmed by this expansion, Al-Mu'tamid wrote to Alfonso warning him not to extend his conquests beyond Toledo, stating that such actions would be considered

4559-445: The chronicle also attributes her failings to "the weakness and changeability of women, feminine perversity", and calls her a Jezebel for her liaisons with her leading magnates, with at least one relationship producing an illegitimate son. Her son Alfonso Raimúndez likewise decried the political turmoil caused by her extramarital affairs. Modern historians have given a more critical outlook to these observations, with Reilly noting that

4656-633: The city of Marrakesh , designating it as the capital of the Almoravid state and transforming it into a formidable military base. Through these efforts, Yusuf ibn Tashfin established control over the Maghreb , extending his dominion from the territories of the Banu Mazghena in Algeria to Tangier , the far reaches of Sous, and into the Gold Mountains of Sudan. By the end of the Taifa period in Al-Andalus ,

4753-455: The city to the Almoravids, paving the way for their crossing into Andalusia. After Al-Mu'tamid ibn Abbad agreed to surrender the island of Al-Jazira Al-Khadra (the Green Island) to the Almoravids, Yusuf ibn Tashfin ordered the mobilization of five hundred knights to serve as an advance contingent for the main army's crossing into Al-Andalus . These knights gathered on the island, establishing

4850-754: The claim to rule the Kingdom of León to her children. A diploma issued in Monastery of San Xulián de Samos on 24 October 1102 refers to the "children" of Raymond and Urraca, implying that their second child, Alfonso, had been born, but two nearly contemporaneous sources—the Chronicon Compostellanum and the Historia Compostelana —dates Alfonso's birth to 1105. He was named for Urraca's father. Urraca had two illegitimate children with her lover Pedro González de Lara: Fernando Pérez Hurtado (c.1114-1156), and Elvira Pérez de Lara (c.1112-1174), who

4947-481: The conflict. Alfonso I and Urraca invaded Galicia and seized the important castle of Monterroso , but reports of the cruelty of the Aragonese troops outraged the Leonese aristocrats. The relationship between Alfonso I and the high clergy grew tense. The bishop of Palencia was imprisoned, the archbishop of Toledo , the bishops of Burgos and León and the abad of Sahagún were forced to flee. The marriage proved unfortunate. Alfonso's prejudice against women

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5044-431: The couple had a falling-out over his execution of one of the rebels who had surrendered to the queen, to whom the queen was inclined to be merciful. Additionally, as Urraca was married to someone many in the kingdom objected to, the queen's son and heir became a rallying point for opponents to the marriage. Estrangement between husband and wife escalated from discrete and simmering hostilities into open armed warfare between

5141-410: The dire situation in Al-Andalus and the worsening state of the Muslims, as Christian forces had taken control of much of their territory. He implored Yusuf for help in repelling the aggression. Yusuf replied: "Once God grants me the conquest of Ceuta, I shall join you, and I will exert all efforts in the jihad against the enemy." Alfonso VI , King of Castile, sent a letter to Al-Mu'tamid ibn Abbad ,

5238-442: The elite of the troops.” When Yusuf ibn Tashfin boarded the ship bound for Al-Andalus, he prayed, “O Allah, if you know that my crossing is for the good and welfare of the Muslims, make my passage across this sea easy. If not, then make it difficult for me so that I do not cross.” He also ordered the transportation of camels from Morocco to Al-Andalus for military purposes, causing the desert to fill with their numbers and

5335-406: The estate of La Vid by Alfonso VII of León and Castile , who was the half-brother of Domingo Gómez. Saint Dominic , who would later found the eponymous Dominican Order , was sent to the monastery at 14 years of age, before going on to study at Palencia. He also joined the monastery as a canon and received holy orders before going on to join the cathedral chapter of Osma . A statue of Dominic in

5432-450: The fires of war everywhere. Their spears and swords are soaked with the blood of Muslims, and those who have not been killed are captives and slaves, enduring torture and tribulation. O God, and O Muslims, shall falsehood prevail over truth? Shall polytheism overpower monotheism, and disbelief triumph over faith? Is there no defender for this oppressed religion, no protector for the sanctity violated? You are most deserving of jihad according to

5529-566: The first queen regnant in European history. Her earliest extant diploma, issued in favour of the León Cathedral a day after her father's funeral, referred to her as "queen of whole Spain". Prominent Leonese, Castilian and Galician aristocrats and twelve bishops witnessed the document, showing that her realm's elite acknowledged her as lawful monarch. Two early sources—the Chronicle of Sahagún and

5626-485: The first of Jumada al-Awwal in the year 479 AH, Ibn Abbad sent a message to Ibn Tashfin: "To the esteemed Imam and Commander of the Muslims, we, the Arabs in this Andalusia, have been scattered, and our tribes have disbanded. The accursed enemy, Alfonso, has attacked us, capturing Muslims and seizing our lands, fortresses, and castles. We are powerless to assist our neighbors or our brothers. The situation has worsened, and all hope

5723-488: The first to volunteer for the support of this religion, and no one will lead this matter except for myself." The forces of Ibn Abbad, the Emir of Seville, along with troops from Ibn Sumadih, the Emir of Almería , and Abdallah ibn Buluggin , the Emir of Granada, joined the camp of the Almoravids , accompanied by his brother Tamīm, the Emir of Málaga . Yahya al-Qadir and al-Mutawakkil ibn al-Aftas also arrived. Ibn Tashfin instructed them to camp with Ibn Abbad, resulting in

5820-592: The goal of decisively eliminating the Islamic presence in the Iberian Peninsula , especially following the fall of Toledo. With their differences set aside, they mobilized a large, powerful army from Galicia and León, marching together to confront the Muslim forces. The Christian coalition captured Coria from the Banu al-Aftas and advanced towards Seville, devastating its surrounding villages and fields. A cavalry unit pushed as far south as Sidonia and even reached Tarifa ,

5917-445: The guidance. As for what follows: The first point we make in your claim is that you are the one with two faces, while the Muslims are more deserving of this title. For what they possess of lands and great preparation and the tribute to the kingdom, your power cannot claim or your creed recognize. The call to battle has roused those who have long been complacent, and the beloved may arise from the despised, with regret stemming from haste in

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6014-407: The hides of your defeated armies to be brought to you; they will cool you off, but not in your favor, God willing." Understanding Ibn Abbad's intent in his response, Alfonso sought to adopt a similar tone in his communication with Yusuf ibn Tashfin . He wrote a letter stating: "From the Prince of Christianity, Alfonso, son of Ferdinand, to Yusuf ibn Tashfin. To begin with, you are now the Prince of

6111-555: The influential Burgundian abbot Hugh of Cluny was her maternal uncle. As Constance was also related to her husband's first wife, Agnes of Aquitaine , Pope Gregory VII only confirmed their marriage after Alfonso agreed to replace the traditional Mozarabic liturgy in his realms with the Roman Rite . The place and date of Urraca's birth are unknown, but she was born likely in Sahagún or León around 1080, probably in 1081. Although she

6208-529: The intention of causing corruption." Ibn Bulqīn remarked on the atmosphere in the camp, noting: "What was remarkable during that time was the sincerity of intentions and the purity of hearts, as if the souls were united for that purpose." News of the Murabitun crossing reached Alfonso VI while he was besieging the city of Zaragoza . This compelled him to lift the siege and focus on preparing strategies and consolidating forces. He sent messages to Ibn Rammir, who

6305-452: The intention of fighting the enemy; wherever the enemy is, that is where I will head.” Yusuf ibn Tashfin led the Islamic armies gathered in Algeciras , which had been granted to him by Ibn Abbad to serve as a base for his troops, a center for communication and supply for the mujahideen , and a secure route for their return. In the heat of preparations for battle, Ibn Tashfin declared, "I am

6402-659: The land, leaving only a small portion. If this continues, it will revert to Christianity. We have an idea to propose to you." When asked what it was, they replied, "Let us write to the Arabs of Africa, offering them half our wealth upon their arrival, and we shall join them as warriors in the cause of God." In response, Ibn Adham suggested, "The Almoravids are better and closer to us." The leaders then decided to write to Yusuf ibn Tashfin, requesting his assistance and passage to Al-Andalus. Shortly thereafter, Al-Mu'tamid ibn Abbad arrived in Córdoba and met with Judge Ibn Adham, informing him of

6499-458: The leader of the Almoravids , gained popularity. Supporters of this plan traveled across the sea to Marrakesh , where they appealed to Yusuf, describing the hardships and oppression they endured from the advancing Christian forces. The city of Marrakesh became a key destination for delegations from Al-Andalus, who viewed it as a beacon of hope and a source of strength capable of reversing their declining fortunes. These Andalusian emissaries sought

6596-684: The light of guidance is your beacon and the path of righteousness your way, it is clear that you are the greatest supporter of the Islamic state and the most capable conqueror against the infidels. It is essential for you to be summoned to address this worsening crisis and come to the aid of the Iberian Peninsula, which is engulfed in tribulation. The enemy encircles us with increasing dominance and aggression, their oppression ever more intense. Their defiance grows, while we have responded with submission, and now they are certain of our weakness. Their ambitions to conquer cities have grown, and they have ignited

6693-404: The marriage, emphasising that Urraca and Alfonso were cousins. In contrast with the two chronicles, Rodrigo Jiménez de Rada writes that Alfonso VI started the negotiations about his heir's marriage with Alfonso I because he wanted to prevent Urraca's marriage with her lover, Gómez González. Gordo Molina and Melo Carrasc propose that both reports could be reliable, because the selection of

6790-576: The monastery depicts him in the habit which he would have worn as a Premonstratensian canon. The monastery was closed as a result of the ecclesiastical confiscations of Mendizábal in the 1830s. It was re-opened in the 1860s by the Augustinians who still inhabit it. 41°37′44″N 3°29′16″W  /  41.6289°N 3.4879°W  / 41.6289; -3.4879 Urraca of Le%C3%B3n and Castile Urraca ( León , 24 June 1081 – Saldaña , 8 March 1126), called "the reckless" (la temeraria) ,

6887-486: The money, insisting, "By God, I will only take it in gold coins," and further insulted the Andalusians with disrespectful remarks. Upon hearing of this affront, Al-Mu'tamid summoned his slaves and some of his soldiers, ordering them to kill Alfonso's minister and capture those accompanying him. They executed his orders promptly. As news of the murder of Alfonso VI' s minister spread, the people of Al-Andalus recognized

6984-437: The new spouses was to sign a pact under which the monarchs granted to each other soberana potestas over the other's kingdom, declaring heir of both their future children, and in the case that the union was childless, the surviving spouse would succeed the other one in the throne. From the start, the Galician faction was divided in two tendencies: one headed by Archbishop Diego Gelmírez of Santiago de Compostela (who defended

7081-535: The north; and the Banu Amir in Valencia and Murcia in the east. In the second half of the 11th century CE, the Muslim rulers of Al-Andalus were deeply divided and often more hostile towards each other than towards their Christian adversaries. Many of these rulers sought alliances with the Christian kingdoms of the north, sometimes agreeing to pay tribute in exchange for military support. A notable conflict arose between

7178-400: The one who is awakening (the enemy) before falling into their traps. Had it not been for a covenant between us that we must uphold, and a commitment to the light of fidelity before us, we would have risen against you with determination, accompanied by a herald of invasion. However, this warning interrupts any excuses. We have brought this message to you from the illustrious Qarmati, who possesses

7275-737: The order there after defeating the local troops in Monterroso Castle. The Galician rebellion against the royal power was only the beginning of a series of political and military conflicts which, with the complete opposite personalities of Urraca and Alfonso I and their mutual dislike, gave rise to a continuous civil war in the Hispanic kingdoms over the following years. Urraca did not share the governance of her realms with her husband. As their relationship soured, Urraca accused Alfonso of physical abuse , and by May 1110 she separated from Alfonso. In addition to her objections to Alfonso's handling of rebels,

7372-525: The other hand, Raymond and Urraca became involved in the administration of other provinces as well. For instance, they witnessed charters on the occasion of the repopulation of Ávila , Segovia , Salamanca and Zamora . In 1093 Urraca's mother died and Alfonso's Moorish concubine Zaida of Seville gave birth to a son, Sancho Alfónsez . The birth of her illegitimate brother jeopardized Urraca's position as their father's sole heir. The power base of Raymond and Urraca weakened even more when Alfonso granted

7469-508: The path to jihad in the name of Allah once the obstacles preventing the Almoravids from advancing were cleared. Despite the submission of the Taifa kings to the Christian rulers of the north, their attempts to appease them through alliances and tribute payments, these efforts only served to fuel the Christians' arrogance. Al-Mu'tamid ibn Abbad , the Emir of Seville , found himself distracted by one of his numerous wars, causing him to miss

7566-534: The payment of tribute to Alfonso VI , King of Castile. When he eventually managed to send the payment, Alfonso was infuriated. In addition to the tribute, Alfonso demanded control over certain fortresses and made further unreasonable demands, including the request that his wife give birth inside the Great Mosque of Córdoba , as she was pregnant at the time. In response to this escalating pressure, in 475 AH (1082 AD), Al-Mu'tamid wrote to Yusuf ibn Tashfin , describing

7663-411: The people's demand for support from the Almoravids and the urgent need for military preparations against the Christian threat. Given the severe military pressure exerted by Alfonso, they felt compelled to reach out to Yusuf ibn Tashfin for help. Al-Mu'tamid appointed Ibn Adham as his messenger to Tashfin, and the judge agreed to this important task. Thus, the decision to formally request assistance from

7760-426: The position of Alfonso Raimúndez as Urraca's successor) and another led by Count Pedro Fróilaz de Traba , tutor of the young prince (who was inclined to the complete independence of Galicia under the rule of Alfonso). A third group of opposition to the royal marriage was at the court and was headed by Count Gómez González , whose motivation against Urraca and Alfonso I of Aragon could have been his fear of losing power,

7857-616: The powerful aristocrat Pedro Ansúrez and his wife Elo Alfónsez raised Urraca in their household, but no contemporaneous document confirms this report. Urraca was married to Raymond of Burgundy . Unlike her mother, who was a member of the ruling house of the Duchy of Burgundy , her husband descended from the rulers of the neighbouring County of Burgundy . Raymond was also the brother-in-law of Urraca's maternal cousin Duke Odo I of Burgundy and Odo's brother Henry . The Muslim Almoravids inflicted

7954-402: The queen was nevertheless in control of events, in contrast with earlier writers who had described her suitors as the real rulers. According to the twelfth-century "Chronicon Compostellanum", Urraca died in adulterous childbirth on 8 March 1126 in the castle of Saldaña. As queen, she rose to the challenges presented to her, and her solutions were seen by Reilly as pragmatic ones. Her delaying

8051-434: The region faced challenges due to internal conflicts and the submission of Muslim rulers to their Christian enemies in the north. The policies of the Taifa kings, marked by division and dependency on external powers, had weakened the Muslim states. In response to their deteriorating situation, many Andalusians began considering external assistance to defend their territories. The idea of seeking help from Yusuf ibn Tashfin ,

8148-591: The seriousness of their predicament, especially given the inability of the Taifa kings to fend off the growing threat from the Christian kingdoms. In response, a popular conference was convened in Córdoba , attended by a group of Andalusian leaders, who met with Judge Ubayd Allah ibn Muhammad ibn Adham. They expressed their concerns, stating, "Do you not see the humiliation and disgrace that Muslims are enduring, paying tribute after once receiving it? The Franks have overwhelmed

8245-598: The sound of their grunting rising to the heavens. The inhabitants of the island had never seen such animals before, nor had their horses encountered their forms or sounds, which caused panic and unease among the horses. This was precisely Yusuf ibn Tashfin's intention, as it aimed to deter the Frankish cavalry during the upcoming battle. With this, the Almoravid forces completed their crossing into Al-Andalus, settling in Al-Jazira Al-Khadra and positioning themselves close to

8342-580: The southernmost tip of Spain near the Strait of Gibraltar . Alfonso’s forces, bolstered by troops from Aragon and Catalonia , laid siege to the fortified city of Zaragoza . Had Zaragoza fallen, Alfonso VI would have gained control over the Ebro River basin, leaving the Mediterranean coastline vulnerable to his raids. Despite the relentless pressure, the fortified Islamic defenses of Zaragoza held firm, resisting

8439-468: The title may have expressed her resentment at her inferior position, although infantas , or royal princesses, were occasionally styled queens in this period. Sancho Alfónsez was regularly mentioned in royal diplomas from 1103, showing that Alfonso VI regarded his only son as his heir, although most clerics opposed the succession of an illegitimate child. By March 1107, Sancho was elected king on his father's initiative. Raymond made preparations for

8536-423: The truth and follow it, and avoid falsehood and its deception." Al-Mu'tamid ibn Abbad had agreed with Alfonso VI to pay an annual tribute. To facilitate this, Alfonso dispatched a caravan of five hundred knights, led by his Jewish minister, Ibn Shalib, to collect the payment. Upon their arrival at the outskirts of Seville, Al-Mu'tamid welcomed the caravan and sent the tribute. However, Ibn Shalib refused to accept

8633-437: The undertaking. I have awakened from a long negligence, and I have stirred from a slumber that had renewed its peace. When have your ancestors had a hand in cooperation with our noble ancestors, except for the disgrace you should understand the extent of and realize its consequences? What has emboldened you to request what a people like yours cannot grasp? They do not fight you all except in fortified villages or behind walls. There

8730-412: The wisdom to deal with someone of your stature and the intellect to govern your lands and your men, regarding what is essential and what is to be amended, not what is detrimental. You will be coming to him with your opinions, and then the examination will be from behind you. Peace be upon you, with your right hand and before you." In response, Al-Mu'tamid ibn Abbad wrote: "Peace be upon those who follow

8827-465: Was Queen of León , Castile and Galicia from 1109 until her death. She claimed the imperial title as suo jure Empress of All Spain and Empress of All Galicia . She is considered to be the first European queen to reign in her own right. Urraca was born to King Alfonso VI of León and Castile and his second wife, Constance of Burgundy . Constance was closely related to the French royal family and

8924-424: Was Urraca's vassal. According to author Bernard F. Reilly, the measure of success for Urraca’s rule was her ability to restore and protect the integrity of her inheritance – that is, the kingdom of her father – and transmit that inheritance in full to her own heir. Policies and events pursued by Alfonso VI – namely legitimizing her brother and thereby providing an opportunity for her illegitimate half-sister to claim

9021-402: Was a state of peace between us and you that necessitated refraining from aiding them and managing their affairs. We ask God for forgiveness for what we have done to ourselves and them, and for the abandonment of prudence and the submission of their cause to their enemies. Praise be to God, who has made our punishment your rebuke and scolding, as death is less than that. Peace be upon those who know

9118-507: Was conflict fought between the Almoravid army , led by their king, Yusuf ibn Tashfin , and the forces of King Alfonso VI of Castile. The Almoravids were called into battle by the taifas, Muslim principalities in Al-Andalus that often fought amongst themselves but united against the expanding Christian kingdoms to the north. In addition to the Almoravid forces, the Taifas and Takrur , the latter contributing 4,000 Black Moorish troops, bolstered

9215-412: Was her parents' sole child, her childhood is poorly documented. She mentioned Presbyter Pedro and Domingo Falcóniz, two otherwise unknown clergymen, as her tutors in her royal diplomas. Her relationship with her paternal aunt Elvira was obviously close, as it is demonstrated by Elvira's appointment as guardian of Urraca's daughter Sancha Raimúndez . A late source, Rodrigo Jiménez de Rada , claims that

9312-399: Was issued on 22 May 1112. The marriage of Urraca and Alfonso almost immediately sparked rebellions in Galicia and scheming by her illegitimate half-sister Theresa and brother-in-law Henry, the countess and count of Portugal. Also, they believed that the new marriage of Urraca could put in jeopardy the rights of the son of her first marriage, Alfonso Raimúndez. One of the first acts of

9409-589: Was pleased and energized by this.” Al-Mu'tamid then commanded his troops to prepare for battle alongside the mujahideen. He went to meet Ibn Tashfin, and the two encountered each other in Ibn Tashfin's camp. All the kings of the Taifa kingdoms in Al-Andalus hastened to assist and join the gathering. Once preparations were complete and the soldiers were ready to move under Ibn Tashfin’s command, Al-Mu'tamid suggested heading to Seville for rest after their long journey. However, Ibn Tashfin refused, stating, “I have come with

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