In more than 30 years as a military leader, Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar never lost a battle. That remarkable record earned the mighty Spanish warrior the title of The Cid, from an Arabic word meaning lord. At a time when treachery and betrayal were common, The Cid was trustworthy and loyal.

False accusation

In 1072, he joined the army of King Alfonso VI of Castile. At that time, Spain was divided into many small Muslim states, independent cities, and Christian kingdoms, of which Castile was the largest. Alfonso unjustly accused The Cid of disloyalty, banished him, and imprisoned his family.

Loyalty and triumphs

But The Cid remained loyal to Alfonso and several times came to his rescue in battle. For more than 10 years, The Cid defended Spain against the Muslim forces of the Almoravid empire of North Africa. His greatest triumph was capturing the city of Valencia in 1094 after a 20-month siege. In the process, he vanquished three Almoravid armies sent to aid the city. The Cid continued fighting until just a year before his death in 1099.