CHAPTER XVII

WARS WITH THE CHRISTIANS; THE ALMORAVIDES

Dissensions in Castile--Alfonso the Guest of the Emir of Toledo--Civilization of that Moorish Capital--Motamid, Prince of Seville--His Prodigality--Valencia and Murcia become subject to Mamun--Motamid takes Cordova--Military Genius of Alfonso VI.--The Famous Game of Chess--Siege of Toledo--Capitulation of that City--Depredations of Bands of Outlaws--Danger and Distress of the Moslems--Rise of the Almoravides--Their Fanaticism and Prowess--They conquer Northern Africa--The Spanish Emirs appeal to Yusuf--He crosses the Strait--Rout of the Christians at Zallaca--Second Expedition of Yusuf--His Popularity--He claims the Sovereignty of the Peninsula--The Cid: His Character and His Exploits--He serves the Emir of Saragossa--He obtains Control of Valencia--Revolt and Siege of that City--Cruelties of the Cid--Death of Yusuf--Greatness of the Almoravide Empire--Accession of Ali--Demoralization of the Conquerors 159