EL CID CAMPEADOR

CHILDHOOD Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar lived from 1043 to 1099. By that time, the Arab and Christian kingdoms of Spain were fighting against each other under the rule of King Ferdinand I. When Rodrigo was seven, his parents died, and his uncle wanted him to be educated in the court.

In the King’s Court The Cid spent his childhood in the castle of king Ferdinand I and he became friends with Sancho, the king’s oldest son.

The Champion of Castile Rodrigo, riding his horse Babieca defeated all the horseman in a big tournament and he became the winner of Castile.

Ferdinand’s Death When king Ferdinand I died, he split his kingdoms amongst his sons. Sancho became the new king of Castile and he named the Cid his deputy. King Sancho wanted to unify all Spanish kingdoms so he fought against his brother Alfonso, but Sancho died.

THE OATH OF SANTA GADEA Rodrigo asked king Alfonso to swear that he was innocent before he became his vassal.

The Cid married Doña Jimena. Later, Alfonso VI reconquered the arab territories.

The exile The king didn’t trust Rodrigo so he exiled him, but his wife and sons stayed in the kingdom.

He helped his closest kings by fighting against the arabs and conquering plenty of lands. Thanks to the minstrels his adventures became famous. Everyone called him the Cid Campeador, that in arab language means “Lord of the Battles”.

End of exile Alfonso realized that he needed Rodrigo and his men to fight against the arabs, so they went back home.

The Last Battle The years went by. The Cid lived in Valencia and ruled the city. There he died, reached by an arrow of the enemies.

When the arabs took the city of Valencia Rodrigo was already dead When the arabs took the city of Valencia Rodrigo was already dead. However, his men dressed him and put him in his horse Babieca, with his sword Tizona to made him look alive. When the arabs saw the Cid with all the knights they ran away from Valencia. That is how the Cid Campeador won his last battle.

Who was Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar?

Who was Sancho?

What did Sancho want to do with Spanish Kingdoms?

When Sancho died, who was the king?

Who was the Cid`s wife?

What does the Cid Campeador mean in arab language??

How did the Cid win his last battle?