El Cid

Full Name: Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar
Profession: Spanish National Hero

Nationality:

Biography: Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, known as El Cid, was a Castilian knight and ruler who became a celebrated national hero in medieval Spanish history. He first rose to prominence as a military commander and royal standard-bearer under King Sancho II of Castile.

El Cid would go on to lead campaigns against Sancho's brothers and Muslim kingdoms to expand Castilian territory. After Sancho's death in 1072, El Cid fell out of favor with the new king, Alfonso VI, and was exiled in 1081.

During his exile, El Cid fought for the Muslim rulers of Zaragoza, defending the city and earning the title "El Cid" (The Lord) from the Arabs. He also achieved major victories against Aragonese and other Christian forces. After the Almoravid invasion, Alfonso VI recalled El Cid, but he remained largely independent.

El Cid's most significant achievement was the conquest of Valencia in 1094, where he established an independent principality and ruled over a pluralistic society of Christians and Muslims. He spent his final years fighting against the Almoravid Berbers until his death in 1099. According to legend, his corpse was mounted on his horse, Babieca, to inspire his troops in a final victory.

El Cid's life and deeds became the subject of numerous literary works, including the epic poem "El Cantar de mio Cid."

He was married to Jimena Díaz, with whom he had two daughters, Cristina and María, and a son, Diego Rodríguez, who was killed in battle in 1097.

Birthplace: Vivar, Castile

Died: July 10, 1099