CHAPTER XI

REIGN OF AL-MONDHIR; REIGN OF ABDALLAH

Parallel between the Policy of the Moorish and Asturian Courts--Alfonso III.--His Conquests--Energy of Al-Mondhir--Siege of Bobastro--Stratagem of Ibn-Hafsun--The Emir is Poisoned--Abdallah ascends the Throne--Conditions of Parties and Sects--Prevalence of Disorder--Insurrection at Elvira--Success of the Arab Faction--Disturbances at Seville--General Disaffection of the Provinces--Ibn-Hafsun defeated at Aguilar--Disastrous and Permanent Effects of the Continuance of Anarchy--Sudden Death of Abdallah--Important Political Changes wrought by a Generation of Civil Warfare 529