El cid season 3

Biography of El Cid Campeador

El Cid Campeador, also known as Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, was a national hero of Spain, a military and political figure during the Reconquista. His fame was so great that his life became the basis for the epic poem "The Song of My Cid." The Moors gave him the nickname "El Cid," meaning "the leader," and the Spaniards called him "Campeador," which meant "valiant warrior."

El Cid lived in Spain during the time of the Reconquista, but the exact date of his birth is unknown, estimated to be around 1040-1044. His military career, filled with heroic exploits, began during the reign of King Fernando I the Great and continued under Sancho and Alfonso VI. Rodrigo was both a skilled diplomat and a brave warrior, making him valuable both at court and in battle. Under Sancho, he earned a reputation as a brilliant military commander, and after Sancho's death, he remained at the court of King Alfonso and married his niece, Doña Jimena. However, his relationship with Alfonso was strained.

After Rodrigo led an unauthorized large-scale raid on Toledo, over which Alfonso had established his protectorate, the king banished him. Rodrigo served as an advisor on foreign policy and was highly esteemed by the emir of Zaragoza during that time. In 1087, Alfonso summoned El Cid back to participate in conquest campaigns against the Moors. Rodrigo agreed, but on the condition that a portion of the conquered lands would be granted to him personally. According to the agreement with the king, all the lands conquered in Valencia would become El Cid's property. Needless to say, the campaign was highly successful, and Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar became the king of Valencia.

On July 10, 1099, he died and was buried in the monastery of San Pedro de Cardeña. However, he forever remained alive in history and numerous books as a legendary figure.