The Cid, Al Sayyid

This book explores the life of the Cid over the centuries and reveals those active in its making. The Cid became perhaps the most famous warrior involved in the nation building fight on the Iberian Peninsula during the eleventh century. In the centuries after his death, he became a hero and a beloved Christian knight.

But why does the Cid disappear from history in Valencia in the year 1099 of the common era, when he was ruler of an independent principality in Eastern Spain? How will Spain, Europe, and the New World be affected? Don Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar emerges as a Christian Knight equally at home in the kingdoms of northern Spain or in the exotic Arab lands of the south, using his martial skills to defend all religions alike. Indeed, his very title derives from the Arabic word Al-Sayyid meaning "a lord or master." Al-Sayyid may be considered a source of pride and unification for a subsequent unified medieval Spanish nation.

A fascinating journey through a turbulent epoch, the story of the Cid is filled with the excitement of discovery, and will delight readers interested not only in Spanish history and adventure, but those who want to understand how a hero may shape a new nation, or a new world. The Cid was instrumental in the quest to unify Spain under one ruler. The Cid served his Kingdom of Castille as he conquers cities in an effort to bring a nation into being.