CHAPTER XVI

THE PRINCIPALITIES OF MOORISH SPAIN

Immobility of the African Race--Its Hostility to Civilization--Its Pernicious Influence on the Politics of the Western Khalifate--Character of Suleyman--Invasion of Ali--He ascends the Throne--His Tyranny--He is assassinated--Abd-al-Rahman IV. succeeds Him--Yahya--Abd-al-Rahman V.--Mohammed--Hischem III.--Organization of the Council of State--Ibn-Djahwar, the Minister--His Talents and Power--Abul-Kasim-Mohammed, Kadi of Seville--Berber Conspiracy--The Impostor Khalaf is raised to the Throne as Hischem II.--Almeria--The Vizier Ibn-Abbas--Influence of the Jews at Granada--The Rabbi Samuel-- Rivalry of Granada and Almeria--Abu-al-Fotuh--Motadhid ascends the Throne of Seville--His Cruel and Dissolute Character--His Collection of Skulls--Badis, King of Granada--Increasing Power of Castile--Valencia and Malaga--Atrocities of the Christians at Barbastro 77