[52] Ancient historians, through their writings handed down to posterity, have brought to life the outstanding deeds of kings, emperors, consuls, nobles and other heroes. With this in mind, I think it would be excellent to write of the exploits of King Alfonso VII. That is, to relate the events through which Almighty God has worked to bring salvation to the people of Christ. Therefore, I have written just what I have learned and heard from those who were witnesses. I have begun at the start of his reign, which began after Queen Urraca's ⁽²⁾ death. She was the daughter of King Alfonso VI ⁽³⁾ and Queen Constanza. ⁽⁴⁾ This will be explained in the following pages.

(1) It is to be noted that after reigning 16 years, 8 months and 7 days, Queen Urraca died in the year 1164 of the Spanish Era.⁽⁵⁾ She died in León on the eighth of March. [53] She was buried honorably there with her ancestors in the royal tombs. Alfonso, the son of Queen Urraca and Count Raymond of Burgundy, ⁽⁶⁾ reigned after her with divine dispensation. He was considered promised from on high and auspiciously sent. The day after his mother's death, he came, under the guidance of the Lord, to the city of León. The Kingdom takes its name from that city. He was 19 years old, and it was during the joyful time of the Jubilee year. Since his arrival had been announced to the people of León, Bishop Diego Gelmírez ⁽⁷⁾ went out to meet him with all the people and clergy. They greeted him as if he were already king. Then, with great joy, they proclaimed him King in the church of Holy Mary on the appointed day. Then they immediately unfurled the royal standard.

(2) On the third day after the coronation, Count Suario, ⁽⁸⁾ a truthful man of sound judgement, came to the King with his friends and relatives. He held Astorga, Luna, and Gordón up to the Eo River and also up to Cabrunaña. He came with his brother, Alfonso, ⁽⁹⁾ and with his son, Pedro Alfonso ⁽¹⁰⁾ (who later became a count), and with the following nobles, Rodrigo Bermúdez,⁽¹¹⁾ Rodrigo González, ⁽¹²⁾ and Pedro Braóliz. ⁽¹³⁾ it would take too long to mention the others in this party. Count Alphonse Jordan, ⁽¹⁴⁾ the King's cousin, was already there with him. He was the son of Count Raymond of Toulouse ⁽¹⁵⁾ and Princess Elvira. ⁽¹⁶⁾ She was the daughter of King Alfonso VI.

[54] (3) After many conferences with the rebels who were still in their towers, the King sent Alphonse and Suario with Bishop Gelmírez to give them the following message: "I will receive you in peace, and you will have a high place in my kingdom if you surrender the towers without military action." The rebels stated repeatedly under oath that they would not give up the towers. They added that they did not want him to rule over them. They had placed their hopes in Count Pedro de Lara ⁽¹⁷⁾ and in his brother, Rodrigo González. ⁽¹⁸⁾ They were both Castilian, and they preferred war rather than peace with the King.

(4) On the next day the King assaulted the towers and captured them. He did this with his Consul-Governors, Alphonse and Suario, and with their followers. The people of the city also participated. However, those in the towers who were captured were allowed to go free. This was done in a very prudent spirit. This clemency greatly impressed the enemies of the King. In fact, the following Leonese nobles came to the King and made peace with him: Rodrigo Martínez, ⁽¹⁹⁾ his brother Osorio, ⁽²⁰⁾ and Ramiro Fróilaz. ⁽²¹⁾ All these were later made counts by the King. Also to come were Count Ramiro, ⁽²²⁾ Pedro López,⁽²³⁾ and his brother Lope López, ⁽²⁴⁾ and Count Gonzalo Peláez, ⁽²⁵⁾ who was governor of Asturias. He allied himself with the King, and was appointed Consul in charge of all military outposts in Asturias. Many others not mentioned here also came peacefully to the King.

(5)The King then went off toward Zamora and met in Ricovado with Teresa, ⁽²⁶⁾ the Queen of the Portuguese, and with Count Fernando. ⁽²⁷⁾ He made peace with them for a definite period of time. The following nobles also made peace with the Kings García Iñiguez ⁽²⁸⁾ who held Cea, Diego Muñiz ⁽²⁹⁾ of Saldaña, Rodrigo Vélaz, ⁽³⁰⁾ a Galician count who held Sarria, and Count Gutter, ⁽³¹⁾ the brother of Count Suario. Count Gutier had, in fact, made peace with Alfonso in Galicia. The sons ⁽³²⁾ of Count Pedro Fróilaz ⁽³³⁾ also made a promise of peace. Among them was Rodrigo, who was later made a count by the King. Others who received high honors were Belasco, García and Bermudo; also Count Gómez Núñez, ⁽³⁴⁾ Fernando Juanes, ⁽³⁵⁾ and Diego, the Archbishop of Compostela. There were many bishops and abbots from Galicia there likewise. All these individuals presented themselves to the King and submitted humbly to him in Zamora. They delivered the entire frontier zone across the Duero River to his authority.

(6) Other counts saw that the King's power was increasing daily. They were the Castilians, Pedro de Lara and his brother, Rodrigo González, who lived in Asturias de Santillana. Gimeno Iñiguez ⁽³⁶⁾ was also present. He governed Coyanza in the territory of León. They were indeed frightened; and, as such, they directed their attention toward arranging a peace conference. However, their treaty with the King was made in a [56] most insincere manner. Actually they preferred to follow the King of Aragón. ⁽³⁷⁾

(7) The King of Aragón held Carrión and Castrojeriz and other well fortified castles in the surrounding area. In the neighboring territory he reigned over Burgos, Villafranca de Montes de Oca, Nájera, Belorado, and some other towns and cities nearby. All these were heavily fortified with walls and ramparts. All of them had been taken from Queen Urraca by means of intimidation. Moreover, the King of Aragón was attacking the Castillans there constantly. He hated them because they desired peace and followed the King of León. But other Castilian leaders came to the Aragonese ruler and made a sincere peace treaty. They did this even though they had been attacked by him. Among them were Rodrigo Gómez ⁽³⁸⁾ and his brother Diego ⁽³⁹⁾ and Lope Díaz. ⁽⁴⁰⁾ Rodrigo was later made a consul by the King, and Lope Díaz was appointed count. García Garcés, ⁽⁴¹⁾ Gutier Fernández, ⁽⁴²⁾ his brother Rodrigo, ⁽⁴³⁾ and Pedro González de Villaescuasa ⁽⁴⁴⁾ were also among this group.

(8)However, the citizens of Carrión, Burgos and Villafranca realized that they were acting unjustly toward the King of León, because he was their natural lord. They sent ambassadors to ask him to come quickly and take back their [57] cities. After he came and recovered the cities, they all submitted to him. But there was a certain Aragonese knight who was unwilling to return the Burgos castle to the King. His name was Sancho Arnáldez ⁽⁴⁵⁾ and he was the keeper of that castle. He was attacked by Jews and Christians alike and was wounded by an arrow. He died, and thus the castle was captured and handed over to the King. When, the King of Aragón received this news, he was angry and alarmed..

(9)In the year 1165 of the Spanish Era, in the month of July, Alfonso I of Aragón came to Castile to fortify Nájera, Castrojeriz and many other castles which he held in the area of those two cities. He did so to no avail. For when King Alfonso of León heard of this, he quickly ordered the alarm raised. The royal proclamation was published throughout Galicia, Asturias, and the entire land of Castile and León. He assembled a large army and went out to meet the Aragonese King. Both sides drew up battle lines between Castrojeriz and Hornillos in the Támara valley. But Count Pedro de Lara, who was in the first line of battle, was unwilling to fight against Alfonso I of Aragón. He preferred to remain faithful to him according to a pact made between the two of them.

(10)The King of Aragón recognized that Alfonso VII had the Lord on his side, so he abandoned his plan of fighting him. After retreating to his camp, he realized that it was [58] impossible for him to return to Aragón without a battle. He sent his nobles, Gaston of Bearne ⁽⁴⁶⁾ and Centulo of Bigorra ⁽⁴⁷⁾ as ambassadors to the King of León. They gave him the following messages: "Your stepfather, the King of Aragón, sends the following communications 'Let me return peacefully to my own country; I will go directly there without turning to the right or to the left. I swear to give you all the castles and cities that I am holding which by right of inheritance must serve you. Within forty days I will restore your entire kingdom to you as it was in your forefathers' time, so that there may be peace and union between you and me.'"

(11) When he heard this, the King of León knew that the Aragonese monarch was lying. Nonetheless, after consulting with his nobles, he agreed to the request. Alfonso I, along with many of his palace nobles, swore that he would carry out everything just as he had promised. Thus he was granted an unhindered and peaceful return to Aragón. But he broke this oath and plundered the territories through which he traveled. Consequently, he became a perjured liar.

(12) During the month of November in the year 1166 of the Spanish Era, the King of León brought the daughter of Count Ramón Berenguer III of Barcelona ⁽⁴⁸⁾ to be his wife. Her name was Berengaria. ⁽⁴⁹⁾ She was a small girl, very [59] beautiful and very chaste and truthful. She loved all who fear God. Their marriage was solemnized in Saldaña and, thanks to God, they begot children. In all matters the King consulted first his wife and then his sister, Princess Sancha. ⁽⁵⁰⁾ Both of them possessed much sound wisdom. All of their advice produced good results for the King. They were also extremely god-fearing, and they built churches and monasteries for monks and provided homes for orphans and for the poor. They were always friends to all who feared God.

(13) One year later Alfonso I of Aragón gathered a large number of knights, infantrymen, and archers and came to the frontier around Medina Sidonia. He encircled Morón and began to make war on the cities and castles around the city. Since the citizens of Medina Sidonia and Morón realized that they were outnumbered, they sent the following message to Alfonso VII: "The King of Aragón is attacking us. He intends to use force in order to subdue us and our families and to plunder our possessions. Come and free us from him, and we will serve you happily." After Alfonso heard this, he said to the messengers, "Go and tell the citizens of Medina Sidonla and of Morón to take courage, to fight and to act bravely. I will assist them immediately and, with the help of God, I will liberate them."

(14) He mobilized an army from León, Galicia and a small force from Castile. There were 700 brave soldiers in all. They assembled at Atienza. However, Count Pedro de Lara, his brother Rodrigo, and his friends refused to aid the Leonese King. Nevertheless, Alfonso moved his camp to San Justo and halted there. The next day he transferred his camp to Morón with his forces all in battle array. When the King of Aragón realized that Alfonso was coming to fight him, he withdrew from Morón and went to Almazán. He entered the town with his entire army and surrounded it with a high fortification. The following day Alfonso VII arrived at Morón. He mobilized his forces and stationed them in such a way so that they were facing Almazán from morning until night.

(15) The Aragonese King saw that those troops were not great in number. But he also realized that the soldiers were brave and well-armed. He had several thousand knights and guards on his side. He summoned his nobles and the bishops who accompanied him and asked their advice regarding the course he should follow. Pedro, ⁽⁵¹⁾ the Bishop of Pamplona, said to him, "If you will allow me, I will offer some counsel." The King asked him to speak, and the Bishop continued, "That force is very small, but it is indeed great, for God is on its side, and God will defend it. It does not seek what belongs to others, but only what is truly its own. It loves peace and it seeks peace. Indeed everyone who loves peace loves the Lord. It is not difficult for God, to surround [61] many with a few. The victory in battle does not depend on the size of the army. No, the strength comes from heaven. My King, remember the agreement you made last year with the King of León. You promised to return Castrojeriz and Nájera along with the other cities and castles which you took forcibly from Queen Urraca, his mother. It you comply with that promise, you will live peacefully with him. Do not fight him. Indeed, if you do, you and all of your followers should consider yourselves defeated and dead."

(16)The Bishop's advice was heard, and it seemed sound to the King and to all the nobles. Under the circumstances they decided against fighting the Leonese King. Alfonso saw that the Aragonese were unwilling to do battle, so he sent messengers to them. These were Count Suario and Gonzalo Peláez, Duke of Asturias. Count Suario was a very peaceful and truthful man and a good friend to Alfonso VII. These envoys were to give the following message to the Aragonese, "You are aware of the evils which you have caused not only in Castile, but in all the kingdom. You also know that last year you swore to return to the King of León the castles and cities which belong to him. If you carry out these terms, there will be peace between you and Alfonso VII. If not, then prepare to fight. Let him to whom God grants victory rule his kingdom in peace."

(17) The king of León then fortified Morón, Medinaceli, [62] and the remainder of the castles and cities in the region. He saw that the citizens were in good spirits, and he returned to Castile. He commanded all of the nobles and knights to depart for home with joy. Everyone who heard about the Aragonese King being contained by Alfonso glorified God saying, "The mercy of God is eternal." They began to fear the King of León and to obey him. The King of Aragón fortified Almazán and departed for home. En route he paused in the city of Jaca. From that day forward he never returned to Castile. He did not even dare to confront Alfonso on their countries' mutual border. Moreover, a powerful struggle ensued between the knights of Castile allied with the King of León and those supporting the cause of the Aragonese King. But those who followed Alfonso of León were always victorious. The allies of Alfonso I were continuously decreasing, while the number of those who worked in the interest of León was growing daily, thanks be to God.

(18) In June of the year 1168 of the Spanish Era, the King of León went to Palencia. There he seized Count Pedro de Lara and his son-in-law, Count Beltran, ⁽⁵²⁾ because they were causing much disorder In his kingdom. Count Rodrigo, the latter's brother, and his followers and friends immediately became rebels. The King took the two Counts to León and put them in prison there until they surrendered [63] all their cities and castles. He then sent them away disgraced and empty-handed. Count Pedro still had the intention of waging war in Castile, but he was without the means to do so. He subsequently went to the King of Aragón who was then attacking Bayonne. He tried to convince him to return to Castile to engage in war. While Count Pedro was there, Alphonse Jordan, the Count of Toulouse, arrived at Bayonne to take part in its defense. Count Pedro immediately challenged Alphonse to individual battle. Both went out to fight much like two strong lions. Pedro was wounded by Alphonse Jordan's spear, and he fell from his horse. He broke his arm, and a few days later he died. The Count of Toulouse remained unharmed.

(19) In the meantime, the King of León ordered Count Rodrigo Martinez and his brother Osorio to go to León. They were to attack Pedro Díaz ⁽⁵³⁾ who was rebelling in Valle. Díaz had with him a large number of knights and soldiers. Rodrigo and Osorio arrived there and encircled the castle. Those inside continued to shout insults at Rodrigo and his brother because they were unable to counterattack them successfully. When this was reported to Alfonso VII, he hurried to the town of Valle. He commanded that mantlets and numerous other war machines be constructed around the castle. The King's forces commenced to hurl rocks and arrows at those inside. Subsequently, the castle walls were completely destroyed.

(20) When Pedro Díaz realized that he was overwhelmed, [64] he began to shout out to the King: "My Lord and King, I stand at fault; I earnestly beg you, for the love of God who always aids you, do not hand me or my family over to Count Rodrigo. Instead, you yourself take vengeance upon me as you see fit." When the King heard this, he was moved to pity. He ordered Pedro Díaz to come to him with Pelayo Fróilaz ⁽⁵⁴⁾ who was there also. He sent both of them to their tents. A few days later he ordered them to depart freely. Pedro Díaz wandered far and wide without a king or a protector. He finally became very ill and died poor and wretched.

(21) Count Rodrigo captured other knights. He sent some of these to prison until they surrendered all their possessions to him. He made others serve him for several days without any compensation. Those who had been insulting him he yoked with oxen to plow and feed on grass like cattle. He also made them eat straw from a manger. After he had stripped them of all their riches, he allowed the pathetic prisoners to go their way. The citizens of Coyanza saw all this and followed the order of Gimeno Iñiguez. They yielded their town and castle to the King.

(22) Following these events the King went to Castile and to Asturias de Santillana to fight against Count Rodrigo [65] and other rebels. He captured their fortified castles, set fire to their fields and hacked down their trees and vineyards. When the Count realized that he could not escape from the hands of the King by hiding either in castles or in caves, he sent envoys to him. They requested a conference near the Pisuerga River. The terms of the agreement were that each one would come with only six knights. The King accepted this, so they met and began their discussion. But when Alfonso was subjected to disrespectful remarks from Count Rodrigo, he became extremely angry. He seized the Count by the neck, and both of them fell from their horses to the ground. When Rodrigo's knights witnessed this, they abandoned him and fled in a state of great fear.

(23) The King captured the Count and led him off as if he were a common prisoner. He put him in prison until he returned all of his dominions and castles. Then he sent him away empty-handed and dishonored. However, not many days later, Rodrigo returned to the King. He submitted to him and acknowledged his crimes against him. Alfonso, as usual, was merciful and pitied him. He entrusted Toledo to him and extensive territories on the frontier and in Castile. Count Rodrigo waged numerous wars against the Moors. He killed many and took many prisoners. He also carried away large quantities of booty from their lands.

[66] (24) In May of 1169 of the Spanish Era, the King went to do battle against the town of Castrojeriz. Oriol Garcés, ⁽⁵⁵⁾ an outstanding knight of the King of Aragón, was inside the fortress there. There were many knights and infantrymen with him, for he had been waging war throughout a large part of Castile. Alfonso surrounded the fortress with a large wall and with a rampart. No one could enter or come out. Those on the inside were suffering intensely from hunger and thirst. Consequently, they requested a truce with the King. They also sent messengers to their master, the King of Aragón. They were to ask him to come and rescue them from the Leonese King. But he did not dare come, nor did he dare set foot in Castile.

(25) Oriol Garcés and his companions understood that they could place no hope in Alfonso I of Aragón. Many of them were dying of starvation. Six months had already passed since they bad first been besieged. It was then the month of October, which is the sixth month reckoned from May. Oriol sought peace and asked for the King's right hand for himself and for his men. He in turn offered the King of León his own hand as a gesture of peace. But Alfonso drove them out of the fortress and stationed a garrison there.

(26) Other castles in the area were also delivered to the King. These were, namely, Herrera and Castrillo. He forced all the foreigners out of them and even out of Castile. In this way a state of prosperity and peace was established [67] throughout his kingdom. All of the citizens began to build homes and plant vineyards and trees. They began to repopulate all the land which the King of Aragón had devastated. Since the time of King Alfonso VI, the King's grandfather, there bad not been such joy in the kingdom.

(27) At that time there was a certain Spanish Moslem King living in Rota. His name was Zafadola, ⁽⁵⁶⁾ and he was a descendant of one of the most noble families of the Spanish Moslem rulers. He had heard much about the exploits of Alfonso in his struggle against the King of Aragón. He had been informed of how our King had confronted him, how the Aragonese monarch had sworn to restore his kingdom to him, and how he had lied and become a perjurer. When King Zafadola had gathered all of this information, he called his entire family together. Included in this group were his children, his wives, his constables, his governors, and all his nobles. He said to them, "Do you know of the great deeds of Alfonso, the King of León, against the Aragonese ruler and against his rebels?" They replied that they had heard of them. Zafadola continued, "What course shall we take? How long shall we remain confined here?" They had, in fact, hidden themselves for fear of the Almoravides ⁽⁵⁷⁾ who had killed all of the descendants of the Spanish Moslems and had taken their kingdom from them. King Zafadola himself was in Rota confined there with some of his people who had fled to him. [68] He told them, "Hear my plan. Let us go to the King of León, and let us make him our King and master and our friend. I know that he will be lord over all the Moors, because God is his Deliverer and his Helper. I know, indeed, that through him my sons and I will recover the honors which the Almoravides robbed from me, from my ancestors, and, from my people."

(28) His nobles answered unanimously, "This is an excellent plan. Your idea seems sound to all of us." In the meantime, King Zafadola sent ambassadors to the King of León with this message: "Lend me some of your nobles with whom I may come to you in safety." Alfonso was very happy to hear this, and he quickly sent Count Rodrigo Martínez and Gutier Fernández to Zafadola. The latter noble was one of the King's counselors. When they arrived in Rota they were received honorably by King Zafadola. He presented them with magnificent gifts, and then he traveled to the King of León accompanied by them. Alfonso welcomed him, and honored him by making him sit at his side on the royal throne. He expressly ordered that Zafadola should not be allowed to give anything in return for his food. When the Moorish nobles witnessed all this, they were amazed and, said to each other, "Who among the kings is like the King of León?"

(29) King Zafadola saw the wisdom and the wealth of Alfonso VII. He likewise saw the great peace that reigned in his palace and in all his kingdom. He then said to the Christian ruler, "What I have heard in Rota regarding your wisdom, [69] your clemency, the peace in your kingdom and, your wealth is indeed true. Blessed are your men, blessed are your counselors who live here with you and who are in your kingdom." He gave the King a magnificent gift of very precious stones. He and his sons became Alfonso's knights and promised to serve him all the days of their lives. They gave him the city of Rota, which the King entrusted to his own son, Sancho the Castilian. ⁽⁵⁸⁾ Then Rota was populated with Christians, and they began to invoke the name of the Blessed Trinity in the city, and especially the Holy Spirit. No one living at that time ever conceived that the Name of the Lord would be mentioned publicly in Rota. The King of León also gave Zafadola fortresses and cities. These were in the region of Toledo, in Extremadura and along the Duero River. Zafadola came and lived there, and served Alfonso all the days of his life.

(30) In 1170 of the Spanish Era, King Alfonso ordered his nobles to assemble with their forces on a certain day in Atienza. When they had gathered, the King learned that the Asturian, Count Gonzalo Peláez, had agreed to rebel with his kinsman, Rodrigo Gómez. ⁽⁵⁹⁾ Alfonso seized the latter, and he stripped him of his honor and sent him away. But Gonzalo Peláez fled, and all his knights were captured. The King pursued him into Asturias and ordered that his knight be kept [70] under guard at the rear. He found the Count in Tudela and attacked him there. First of all, the King's forces captured the castle at Gozón and the ones around it.

(31) When Count Gonzalo became aware that his troops had been captured by Alfonso, he instantly sought a treaty with him. The terms were the following: for one year they would be under a mutual covenant of peace. The King would not wage war against the Count, nor would Gonzalo plunder Alfonso's lands. He delivered the city of Tudela and other castles over to the King. Nonetheless, the Count continued to rebel in Proaza, Buanga and in Alba de Quirós. These were all very strong fortresses.

(32) While this was taking place, the King brought to his side a certain concubine whose name was Guntroda. ⁽⁶⁰⁾ She was the daughter of Pedro Díaz ⁽⁶¹⁾ and María Ordóñez. She was extremely beautiful and belonged to the highest Asturian nobility. The King had a daughter by her whom he named Urraca. ⁽⁶²⁾ She was entrusted to Alfonso's sister, Princess Sancha, to be weaned and educated.

(33) In the seventh year of' his reign, 1171 of the Spanish Era, Alfonso took counsel with King Zafadola. He gathered the nobles from his kingdom, and he revealed his secret plan to them. He disclosed that his highest ambition was to begin [71] to make war throughout the land of the Moors. He wished to take revenge on King Texufin ⁽⁶³⁾ and on the other rulers of the Almoravides. These were the infidel leaders who had come to the frontier region near Toledo and had killed many Christian captains. They had destroyed the castle at Aceca, and they had slain all the Christians they had found there. Tello Fernández ⁽⁶⁴⁾ bad been carried across the sea along with other captives. He was the commander there. The King's proposal was subsequently approved by all.

(34) The entire army from all the Kingdom was mobilized in Toledo. They pitched their tents near the Tajo River. King Alfonso marched with his forces as did King Zafadola. The camp was divided into two divisions, because there was not enough drinking water for all the army, nor was there enough grass to feed the animals. Alfonso entered the territory of the Almoravides with his army through the Puertollano Pass. The other army, under the command of Rodrigo González, entered through Despeñaperro Pass. For fifteen days they marched through uninhabited lands. Both armies joined together near the Moorish castle of Galledo. From then on they were able to get fodder for the livestock and grain in abundance. The countless number of knights, infantrymen, and archers covered the face of the earth like locusts.

(35) The King moved the camp from there and began marching through the fertile fields around Córdoba plundering on all [72] sides. He occupied all that land, and pillaged it completely. He took a large quantity of booty and left behind nothing but fire and destruction. He then crossed the Guadalquivir River and continued the march. They left behind Córdoba and Carmona on the left and Sevilla (which the ancients called "Hispalis") on the right. It was the harvest season, so he set fire to all the fields and cut down the vineyards, olive groves and fig trees. Consequently, fear of the Christian King weighed heavily on all those who lived in the lands of the Saracens. ⁽⁶⁵⁾ In a state of terror, the Moors abandoned their cities and smaller castles. They enclosed themselves in the most impregnable fortresses and in the fortified cities. They also hid in the mountains, in nearby caves, in the rocks and on the islands off the coast.

(36) The entire Christian army camped in the territory around Sevilla. Large bands of armed men went out of the camp every day to carry out raids on the enemy. They would march throughout the region around Sevilla, Carmona, and Córdoba, plundering on all sides. They set fire to all the land, cities and castles. They found many of these uninhabited, for the people had fled. They could not count the number of men and women who were captured, it was so great. They also seized a large number of horses, camels, asses, oxen, sheep and goats. They carried off much grain, wine, and olive oil to the camp. They also destroyed all the mosques they came upon, and they killed all their priests and doctors of the Law. The sacred [73] books which they found in the mosques were burned. These raids continued for eight days. Following that, they all returned to the camp with the booty.

(37) When there were no more spoils to be had in the region, the King broke camp. He then arrived at a very rich city which the ancients called "Tuccis," but in our tongue it is known as Jerez de la Frontera. It was plundered and destroyed. Later the King moved camp and continued pillaging in the surrounding area. He went as far as Cádiz which is on the sea.

(38) However, there were some senseless knights (the sons of certain nobles) who did not manifest sound judgment. In the eyes of the King, their actions were not at all sensible. They had heard that a nearby island was filled with horses and oxen, and that there were great riches there. They crossed the sea and eagerly went to the island. But the infidel forces were prepared for battle. They met them and joined in combat. The Christians were defeated because of their sins. Some of these nobles' sons returned to the camp. They informed the army of all that had happened to them. Then at last the Christian military forces began truly to respect the King's judgment. From that day on, not one of the soldiers dared leave the camp without his orders.

(39) Alfonso remained there for many days until all of the plundering cohorts had returned. They came back with [74] many victories to their credit and they captured many thousands of Moors. They also brought back a vast number of camels, stallions, mares, bulls, cows, sheep, goats, and many other riches belonging to the Moorish royalty.

(40) The King again broke camp and departed for Sevilla. He arrived there and crossed the Guadalquivir River. A large army of Moors gathered around the walls of the city with their forces in battle array. Nonetheless, they were quickly blockaded by a few armed Christians. All of the land around Sevilla was plundered, and the crops and houses were burned down. They destroyed the vineyards, the fig trees and the olive groves. They cut down many of the royal orchards located on both sides of the river. The Almoravides, however, did not capture one Christian. If any had been taken prisoner, the death penalty would have been certain.

(41) The leaders of the Spanish Moslems observed all this in secret. They then sent envoys to King Zafadola with the following message: "Speak with the Christian King and, with his help, rescue us from the power of the Almoravides. We shall give even more tributes to the ruler of León than our forefathers gave to his ancestors. We shall serve him with you, and you and your sons shall rule over us." When Zafadola heard this, he took counsel with Alfonso and with his trusted advisors. He answered the envoys, "Go and tell my brothers, the leaders of the Spanish Moslems, to capture [75] some of the very strong castles and some of the highly fortified towers within the cities. Provoke war in all parts, and the Leonese King and I will come swiftly to the rescue."

(42) Alfonso moved his camp and crossed the Amarela Pass ⁽⁶⁶⁾ From there he proceeded to Talavera. Since all of the objectives of the campaign had been accomplished, everyone returned home with great joy and triumph. They praised and blessed God who had granted vengeance and punishment for the death of Tello Fernández and his companions killed in Aceca. Vengeance had also been granted for the death of Gutier Armíldez, ⁽⁶⁷⁾ the governor of Toledo, and the other victims of the Almoravides.

(43) A few days had gone by when the King remembered that Gonzalo Peláez was rebelling in Asturias. He went to Oviedo and demanded his castles. The Count was living in them as a rebel, and he refused to deliver them to Alfonso. He even planned to wage war against him in Proaza. He had killed the horse the King was riding, along with several men. Alfonso was aware that the Count was bent on evil, so he left his forces to fight him. The leaders of these troops were Count Suario, his nephew Pedro Alfonso, and all of the Asturians. The King then journeyed to Castile.

(44) Count Suario attacked Buanga, and Pedro Alfonso besieged Alba de Quirós. Count Gonzalo was at that time entrenched in Proaza. The forces of the King bravely tightened [76] the siege against the rebels. They set up ambushes all around the castles, along the roads and paths and over the mountains. Whomever they caught, they sent away with his hands cut off. This was done for several days. The Count had been rebelling against the King for nearly two years.

(45) When Gonzalo Peláez perceived that he was so tightly encircled, he came to an agreement with Count Suario, with Pedro Alfonso and with Ariano, ⁽⁶⁸⁾ the Bishop of León. He accompanied them to Alfonso's presence, threw himself at his feet, and confessed his guilt. The King received him peacefully and spoke to him kindly. It was as the Scripture says, "The heart of the king and the flowing of the waters are in the hand of the Lord." ⁽⁶⁹⁾ The Count remained in the palace for several days and was treated with great honor. Later he appealed to the King to give him the castle at Luna. Alfonso summoned his sister, Princess Sancha, his wife Berengaria, and other counselors who were well-advised in such matters. After counsel was taken, he received the castles of Buanga, Proaza, and Alba de Quirós from the Count. He ordered the castle at Luna to be given to Gonzalo Peláez in order to avoid any further rebellion. In the past this noble had defied Queen Urraca after she had honored him.

(46) Later he rose up against the King on two more occasions even though peace had been made. But at last Pedro Alfonso captured Count Gonzalo with the help of the King's forces [77] and sent him to the Aguilar castle in chains. They held him there until Alfonso ordered him to be released. The King commanded that on a specific day he was to be exiled from his kingdom. The Count obeyed the order and went to the court of Alfonso, the King of Portugal. ⁽⁷⁰⁾ He was a cousin of Alfonso VII, because he was the son of Queen Teresa and Count Henry of Burgundy. ⁽⁷¹⁾ Count Gonzalo intended to wage war by sea against Galicia and Asturias. But God., who sees all things, did not wish this to be so. The ruler of Portugal did, in fact, receive Gonzalo Peláez with great honor. He promised him high commissions, for he too had hopes of waging war on Galicia and Asturias. But the will of God disposed otherwise, and the Count caught a fever and died an exile in a foreign land. His knights took his body and buried him in Oviedo.

(47) In October of 1175 of the Spanish Era, while the above-mentioned events were transpiring, Count Rodrigo González noticed that the attitude of the King toward him had grown somewhat negative. Therefore, he returned Toledo to Alfonso along with the other cities which he held.. The King accepted them and at once gave them to Rodrigo Fernández, whom he appointed the new governor of Toledo. He had fought many battles in Moorish territory. The military experiences of Rodrigo González and Rodrigo Fernández against the Moors [78] were indeed great, but they have not been described in this book.

(48) After Count González had kissed the King's hand in farewell and had taken leave of his comrades, he traveled far away to Jerusalem, and fought many battles there with the infidels. He also constructed a very strong castle facing Ascalon. This was called the castle of Toron. The Count reinforced it with knights, infantrymen, and provisions, and he gave it to the Knights Templars. Then he crossed the Adriatic Sea and finally returned to Spain. He did not go to the King, nor was he received in Castile on his family estates. Rather he stayed with Count Ramón Berenguer IV of Barcelona ⁽⁷²⁾ and with García Ramírez, ⁽⁷³⁾ the King of Pamplona. Later he traveled to the court of Abengania, ⁽⁷⁴⁾ the Saracen prince of Valencia. He remained with him for several days. But the Saracens gave him a potion which caused him to become a leper. After the Count realized that his body had been changed, he returned to Jerusalem where he lived until his death.

(49) Let us leave these matters and speak momentarily of the Aragonese King. Herein we will mention his death and his activities after his return from Morón and Almazán.

(50) During the time when Alfonso was at war with the rebel nobles, Pedro de Lara and his brother Rodrigo, the [79] King of Aragón had mobilized sizeable armies of knights and infantrymen. He had traveled then beyond his own borders to Gascony. There he surrounded the city of Bayonne which is located near the Garonne River. He remained in that area for several days and plundered all the surrounding country. He assaulted Bayonne with the many war machines brought for that purpose. He was unsuccessful, however, in capturing the city with them. Thus he was forced to return to Aragón without honor.

(51)He assembled a large army from his country and from Gascony. After seeking advice from his nobles regarding the matter of increasing his power, he allied himself with a group of brave and stalwart individuals. Among them were Guido, ⁽⁷⁵⁾ the Bishop of Lescar, Arnald Dot, ⁽⁷⁶⁾ Bishop of Jaca, the Bishop of San Vicente de Roda, the Abbot of San Victorian, Gaston of Bearne and Centulo of Bigorra. Brave men from the Franks and many other foreigners joined his cause He mobilized his army and went first to Zaragoza. From there he proceeded to other cities and castles which he had captured from the Moors. He marched to the land of the Almoravides, and besieged the powerful city of Fraga. The entire area around Valencia and Murcia and all of Granada were attacked. His plundering bands went to Almería and carried out a great massacre with a heavy capture of slaves. Furthermore, they set fire to all that territory. However, the renowned Almoravide prince, Abengania, of Valencia and Murcia, had amassed a large army. [80] It was mobilized to come to Fraga to fight against Alfonso I. Abengania was defeated twice, and he fled from the battlefield leaving many spoils to the Christians.

(52) The King of Aragón always kept a kind of ark with him. It was made of pure gold adorned on the inside and outside with precious stones. Inside there was a cross formed out of the wood of the True Cross. It was venerated as a relic of our Redemption. He had taken it by force from the church of the Holy Martyrs, Facundo and Primitivo, when he was fighting in León. That church is near the Cea River. He also had other small ivory boxes laminated with gold, silver and precious stones. These contained relics of Holy Mary, of the True Cross, of Apostles and Martyrs, Confessors and Virgins, and Patriarchs and Prophets. The ark and the boxes were kept in the tent where the chapel was, which was always next to the King's tents. The priests and a large group of clerics guarded them continually with the utmost care. They always offered Mass over them.

(53) The Moors who were inside Fraga were willing to surrender the city to the King, so that he would allow them to leave peacefully. However, the terms did not appear acceptable to him. God had hardened his heart, so that he would inevitably undergo misfortune. It was destined to happen because he had brought great adversity to the Christians in León and Castile. The same tragedy befell the Aragonese ruler as that which he had brought to those Christians. He planned to capture the [81] city and kill the entire Moorish noble class. He wanted their wives and children as prisoners, and he had sworn a royal oath to confiscate all their riches. At last Abengania led the Moorish troops there from North Africa. He met with the Kings of Córdoba, Sevilla, Granada, Valencia, and Lérida. Ambassadors were first sent out for this gathering. Innumerable forces of cavalry, infantry, and archers descended on Fraga. Alfonso I did not realize all this because of his sins. For God did not wish to aid him, but rather to humiliate him.

(54) Early on the morning of July 17th, the sentinels who bad been watching day and night saw a tremendous body of Moorish forces approaching the city. They ran to the camp and informed the King. He ordered the archbishops, princes, knights, and infantry to prepare for the defense of the camp. However, many Aragonese knights had returned to their homes at the order of Alfonso. They planned to rejoin the army at Fraga after tending to certain affairs in Aragón. For that reason they did not actually take part in the battle.

(55) It was divine justice that permitted the Moorish armies to encircle the camp in full battle array. They began the attack with spears, arrows, stones and other missiles. They killed many people and animals in this manner. The bishops, clergy, and all the Christian people began to pray to God to deliver them from the infidel power and to overlook the King's sins. God did not hear their prayers. The Archangel [82] Gabriel, the supreme messenger of God, did not bring their petition before the tribunal of Christ. Nor did God send Michael, the Prince of the Heavenly Host, to assist them.

(56) When the commanders, the fighting men, and the bishops realized that they were unable to resist the enemy from within the camp, they marched out to confront them in the open field. The battle grew very fierce there. While this fighting was taking place, other infidel forces stealthily approached from the opposite direction and began to assault the camp. This resulted in a complete massacre within. The golden ark which held the cross was seized along with the other boxes and the King's entire chapel. His tent was torn completely to the ground. The Bishop of Lescar, all the clergy and the common people, including Alfonso's household, were captured. The Bishops of Jaca, Dot, San Vicente de Roda and the Abbot of San Victorian were killed in the battle.

(57) The following were the military leaders in the engagement: Garsion of Gabeston, ⁽⁷⁷⁾ Bertrand of Laon, ⁽⁷⁸⁾Fortunel of Fol, ⁽⁷⁹⁾ Ogier of Miramont, ⁽⁸⁰⁾ Raymond of Talar, Calvete of Sua, ⁽⁸¹⁾ Gaston of Bearne, Centulo of Bigorra, and Almaric of Narbonne. ⁽⁸²⁾ There were also many brave auxiliary troops from France and numerous other foreigners. All the Aragonese leaders and their soldiers were killed. Likewise, the infantry bodyguard of the King - 700 soldiers in all - died there.

(58) At last the King fled accompanied by only ten knights, one of whom was García Ramírez. He traveled through Zaragoza, and from there he went to the monastery of San Juan de la Peña. He entered the abbey and ordered the doors closed and locked. Owing to his extreme grief, he fell ill there, and within a few days, he died of a broken heart. He was buried at the side of his ancestors in the royal tombs. Among all the past Aragonese rulers, there never was one equal to him in bravery, skill or in military prowess. He did not leave any offspring, nor had he made preparations for the disposition of his house nor of his kingdom. He died September 8, 1172 of the Spanish Era.

(59) The Bishop of Lescar was led away captive to the city of Valencia. They inflicted many torments on him in order to force him to deny Christ (who died for our sins and brought us Baptism). Moreover, they circumcised him according to their religion. The Bishop, however, exchanged hostages for his freedom and paid them three thousand gold pieces in their money. Soon afterward he returned to his see in Lescar.

(60) The Christians who lived in the fortified cities and castles around Zaragoza learned that their king had died. Terrified at the threat of the Moors, they fled and took refuge [84] in Zaragoza. The infidels came and occupied the abandoned towns, and even prepared to establish their homes there. The citizens of Zaragoza and all the cities around, especially those in the castles conquered by Alfonso, were crying out, "Oh you, our greatest protector, what have you given us to defend? The kingdom which you took from the Moors will now be invaded by the Almoravides. We are now defenseless and will be taken into captivity."

(61)All the Aragonese nobility and common people assembled together. Their heads were shaved, their garments torn and the women's faces were filled with grief. They lamented loudly, and with abundant tears they turned to heaven and said, "Oh King, how is it that you are fallen, you who used to save us? Whose sins caused the wrath of God to fall upon us so that we should lose our liberator? Now our enemies, the infidels, will invade us!"

(62) The nobility and the common people, the knights and the clergy, with the bishops and abbots, all gathered in the royal city of Jaca. They elected Alfonso's brother King. This man was a monk, and his name was Ramiro. ⁽⁸³⁾ They gave him the sister ⁽⁸⁴⁾ of the Count of Poitiers for a wife. Even though this was a great sin, the Aragonese did it, for they had lost their king and hoped that there would be an offspring from the royal family. At the same time the people of Navarra assembled in [85] Pamplona and made García Ramírez their king. This was the same individual who had fled with the King from the Battle of Fraga. King Ramiro went to his wife, and she conceived and gave birth to a daughter. The King consulted with his advisors, and he gave this daughter ⁽⁸⁵⁾ in marriage to Count Ramón Berenguer IV, the ruler of Barcelona. He transferred the kingdom to his daughter and acknowledged his sins. He then did penance.

(63) After this the King of León, who was related through marriage to other kings in Spain, went to Nájera. He was welcomed there and in all the other cities and castles which should have been under his rule. King García Ramírez came there and promised to serve him all the days of his life. He became a knight of the Leonese King, and received many gifts and honors from him. When Alfonso learned that King Ramiro and the Aragonese people were living in a state of fear, he said to his princes, "Let us go to Aragón and show our kindness to our brother, King Ramiro, and let us give him counsel and aid."

(64) Ramiro, all of his nobles, the bishops and abbots, and all the common people went out to meet the King when they were informed that he was traveling to Aragón. They received [86] him with great honor, and they paid him homage. The King spoke kindly to them of peace. He promised with the utmost sincerity to come to their aid. Ramiro took counsel with the bishops and with all the advisors in his kingdom. Whereupon he gave Zaragoza to the King of León, so that he might always be under his rule and his sons' rule. Hence the kings traveled to Zaragoza together for the purpose of formally handing the city over to the Emperor.

(65) When the people learned that the King of León was coming to Zaragoza, all of the nobility and all the commoners went out to meet him. They played tambourines, lutes, psalteries and every kind of musical instrument, singing and saying "Blessed be the benevolence and mercy of the King." Then they led him into the city.

(66) The Bishop of Zaragoza ⁽⁸⁶⁾ headed a long procession of clerics and monks who waited at the city plaza to receive the King. They accompanied him to the church of Saint Mary singing and saying, "Fear God and keep his commandments." At last, as was customary, the Bishop blessed the King. After that they proceeded to the royal palace where they lavished their tributes on him. Alfonso remained in Zaragoza for several days. He stationed a large garrison of knights and infantry there to guard the city. When he was ready, after the Bishop and all the people had blessed him and his retinue, he returned to Castile. They praised and blessed God [87] who grants peace to those who trust in Him.

(67)That same year Ramón Berenguer IV, the Count of Barcelona (and the King's brother-in-law), and his cousin, Count Alphonse Jordan of Toulouse, came and pledged obedience to him. They became his knights, and they touched his right hand to confirm their loyalty. The King, in turn, gave the Count of Barcelona the city of Zaragoza as a feudal commission. It was the King's custom to act this way. Besides a commission, he gave a very valuable gold cup to the Count of Toulouse. It weighed thirty marks. He also gave him many horses and other gifts.

(68) All of the nobles from Gascony and from the area up to the Rhone River, including William of Montpellier, ⁽⁸⁷⁾ came to Alfonso in a spirit of mutual accord. They received silver, gold, horses and many different precious gifts from him. They all became his vassals, and they were obedient to him in all things. Many sons of French nobles, as well as many individuals from Poitiers, came also. He presented them with arms and other items. Hence the boundaries of the kingdom of Alfonso, ruler of León, extended from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, near where the city of our holy patron Santiago is located, all the way to the Rhone River.

(69) Following this in the year 1173 of the Spanish Era, the King decided to set a date for a council in the royal city of León. It was to commence on June 2nd, the feast day of the Holy Spirit. Archbishops, bishops, abbots, all nobles and all judges who were in the kingdom were to attend. On the appointed day the King arrived with his wife, Queen Berengaria, and his sister, Princess Sancha. King García Ramírez accompanied them. As Alfonso had ordered, they all assembled in León. Moreover, a multitude of clerics and monks came as well as sizable crowds of commoners. They came to witness or to speak the word of God.

(70) On the first day of the council the powerful as well as the lowly were gathered with the King in the church of Saint Mary. There they discussed whatever was prompted by the Spirit of God, or whatever dealt with the salvation of the faithful. On the second day, the feast of the Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, the Archbishop, all the clergy, nobles, and commoners again gathered in the same church with King García and with the King's sister. After receiving inspiration from the Holy Spirit, they decided that they should bestow the title of Emperor on the King. This was resolved because King García, King Zafadola, the Moorish ruler, Count Ramón Berenguer IV of Barcelona, Count Alphonse of Toulouse, and many other nobles from Gascony and France had become his vassals. Therefore, they placed a precious, marvelously embroidered cloak on his shoulders. They put on his head a crown of pure gold which [89] was adorned with valuable jewels, and they placed a scepter in his hand. King García stood at his right and Ariano, the Bishop of León, at his left. Accompanied by the bishops and the abbots, they led him to Saint Mary's altar while singing the Te Deum to the very end.. They Shouted, "Long live Alfonso, the Emperor." After a special blessing was given to him, they offered the Mass as is done on other great feasts. Following the service, each returned to his quarters. The Emperor ordered a sumptuous banquet to be prepared in the royal palace. Not only that, but all the nobles served at the royal table. The Emperor decreed that a considerable amount of money should be given to the bishops, abbots, and to the others. Generous alms in the form of' food and clothing were to be donated to the poor.

(71) On the third day of the council, the Emperor and all the others again assembled in the royal palace to discuss matters pertaining to the welfare of the entire kingdom of Spain. The Emperor decreed legislation for all the kingdom, just as it had existed in the time of his grandfather, Alfonso VI. He ordered restitution made to all churches, to all citizens, and to all families who had suffered at any time without trial or justice. He directed the resettlement of towns and lands which had been reconquered. He ordered that vineyards and all variety of trees be planted. Also, all magistrates were commanded to punish the crimes of those men who were opposed to justice and to the laws of the kingdom. The Emperor [90] demanded the hanging of some criminals from trees, and the severance of the hands and feet of others. He ruled that the judges should not be more lenient to the rich or to the nobility than to the poor, but rather they should sentence according to the degree of guilt. Moreover, the Emperor required that in no way should crime be tolerated, for as the Lord said, "Do not permit the wicked to live." ⁽⁸⁸⁾ Some criminals who were captured at that time were hanged in the sight of everyone.

(72)He ordered the governors of' Toledo and all the citizens living along the frontier to be constantly prepared militarily. They were to maintain this state of readiness in order to make war on the infidels every year. They were not to spare the cities and towns of the Moors, but were to avenge fully every offense committed against God and against the law of Christ. When these issues were settled, the council was dissolved. Everyone departed in a spirit of joy singing and blessing the Emperor and saying, "Blessed be you, blessed be the kingdom of your ancestors, and blessed be God, the Most High, who made heaven and earth and all that is in them, because he has visited us and has been merciful to us, as he promised to those who have hope in him." ⁽⁸⁹⁾

(73) A year had passed in total peace according to special agreements, when King García of Navarra initiated some disturbing [91] issues. He set himself and his warriors against the Emperor. Likewise, Alfonso, King of Portugal, son of Count Henry of Burgundy and Queen Teresa, was in conflict with Alfonso. Queen Teresa was the daughter of Alfonso VI. She was not the offspring of his lawful wife, but was the daughter of his concubine, Jimena Muñoz, a woman who had been loved very much by the King. Because of this affection, he gave Teresa in marriage to Count Henry of Burgundy. He presented her with the land of' Portugal as her dowry. It was to be her rightful possession. When, however, Henry died, the Portuguese named Teresa their queen. When she died, her son, Alfonso, was made king. This was done to honor him.

(74) King García and King Alfonso contrived to make war on the Emperor simultaneously. Each prepared for it on his own front King García was in Castile, and the ruler of Portugal was in Galicia. The latter captured the city of Tuy and other castles. But Count Gómez Núñez was holding the land of Toroño with several castles. Count Rodrigo Pérez Velloso ⁽⁹⁰⁾ had fortifications in Limia and other commissions from the Emperor. Both of these nobles proved themselves disloyal to their lord, Alfonso. They handed their castles and commissions over to the King of Portugal. These acts of treason resulted in their own ruin, for indeed they were what most prejudiced these Counts for the rest of their lives.

(75) At that time there was a certain noble in Limia whose name was Fernando Juanes. He was a doughty knight and [92] a faithful friend of the Emperor. He held the castle of Allariz and several other strongholds in the area. Therefore, he, with his sons and brothers, courageously prepared for war against the King of Portugal. Nonetheless, they were marched on and attacked by him, and they lost the castles they were holding. But even in the midst of misfortune, they achieved their greatest honor. Prior to this, the Portuguese monarch had come to Galicia several times, but always he had been driven back by Fernando Pérez and Rodrigo Vélaz and other Galician leaders. Often he was forced to return to Portugal dishonored.. Once again he had come to Limia, and there he had built the Celmes castle. He garrisoned it with noble knights and the daring infantry from his own palace. He sent abundant provisions of' bread, meat, wine, and water. Then he returned to Portugal.

(76) When the Emperor was informed of this action, he assembled a large army in Galicia and León. He went quickly to Linda with many knights and encircled the Celmes castle. After a few days he assaulted it. Many of the noble palace knights of the Portuguese King were captured inside. The Emperor placed. them under guard for several days. The household of Alfonso of Portugal grew extremely despondent at this turn of events. Indeed, the strategy of war had not turned out as he had planned.

(77) After the Emperor had fortified the castle at Celmes, he was very pleased to see that the entire Linda region was turned over to him. He returned to León following this [93] successful outcome of events. It is important to note here that the situation with Portugal that we have been discussing to this point occurred before Alfonso had taken the title of Emperor. Yet, after he had received the title, Count Gómez Núñez and Count Rodrigo Pérez Velloso revolted in Galicia as was mentioned above. They surrendered their commissions and castles to the King of Portugal who fortified them and returned to his country.

(78) Once more Alfonso, King of Portugal, gathered his army and went to Limia. When this news reached Galicia, Fernando Perez and Rodrigo Vélaz and other of the Emperor's Galician nobles were summoned. immediately. They marched out with their troops against the Portuguese King and met him at Cernesa. After the battle lines were drawn up, they began to fight. Because of their sins the Counts fled and were defeated. However, Rodrigo Vélaz was captured by some Portuguese knights. He was quickly freed by two of his armorbearers who used some clever stratagem, and thus he was able to flee with them.

(79) After the victory the King returned to Portugal to hasten to the aid of those in the castle at Leiria. He had constructed it opposite Santarem where the Moors were holding the castle. The latter had been strategically built for attacks on Leiria, Lisbon, Sintra and other neighboring fortifications.

[94] (80) At the same time the Almoravides and the Spanish Moors assaulted Leiria and took it. All of the warriors and some of the King's nobles perished there. The casualties numbered about two hundred and fifty Christians dead. Subsequent to this, a spirit of dejection and confusion predominated in the kingdom of Portugal.

(81) While these battles were taking place, the Emperor was waging war in the land of King García of Navarra. He had captured some of his fortified castles and some of those belonging to Count Ladrón Navarro. ⁽⁹¹⁾ This individual was the most noble of all the princes in King García's court. The Emperor devastated the land by plundering it and burning it. He also cut down the vineyards and the orchards. Count Ladrón pleaded to obey Alfonso VII in the face of this destruction. He pledged to obey him and serve him all the days of his life. When confronted by the Emperor, King García's strength was minimal or almost non-existent. Fernando Juanes, the commander at Limia, accompanied by other followers of the Emperor, waged war daily against the King of Portugal. He engaged him in battle and fought bravely. In fact, the King himself was wounded by a spear which one of Fernando's soldiers daringly hurled at him. He suffered for several days, but his physicians healed him. In the campaign Count Fernando took many spoils from the King's nobles.

(82) After this war was over, the Emperor commanded the Counts from Castile to prepare for daily attacks on King García. These nobles were Rod.rigo Gómez, Lope López, Gutier Fernández, and others. Alfonso VII mobilized a large force and departed for Portugal. He captured several powerful castles there while destroying and plundering the land. The King of Portugal likewise mobilized his army and marched out to fight the few men who had foolishly been separated from the Emperor's main force. The Portuguese confronted Count Ramiro who was attempting to conquer their land. They joined in battle, and Ramiro was defeated and taken prisoner.

(83) The Emperor stationed his camp facing the castle at Peña de la Reina which is located in Portella de Vez. The Portuguese King pitched his tents facing the Emperor's camp on a higher and rougher terrain with a valley lying between the two. Many nobles from both armies came down and engaged in individual combat. The Emperor's knights did so without his consent. Many on both sides fell from their horses and were captured.

(84) The older Portuguese nobles witnessed this and said to their king, "Sir, it is not advantageous for us to carry on war with the Emperor. We will not always be capable of resisting his forces which are greater than ours in strength and number. The situation is indeed growing more dangerous. If [96] there had been peace between us, our brothers would not have perished at the hands of the Moors in Leiria. Therefore, you must take precautions so that the Almoravides and the other Moors do not return to attack our cities and castles across the Duero River. If they do, there will be greater destruction than before. Send some of us to the Emperor to request a peace treaty. Let us return all his castles which we now hold, and let him give back the ones which his knights captured in our country. It is much better for us to live in peace than in war."

(85) When the King heard this advice, he was pleased.. Ha sent some of his high-ranking officers as envoys to the Emperor to make the peace proposal. Alfonso VII listened, and then gave his approval. The envoys received a pledge from the Emperor's nobles that there would be a truce between them until the peace treaty was either ratified or rejected. The Emperor officers went to the Portuguese camp and likewise accepted a pledge for the same kind of armistice.

(86) The following day the nobles from both sides met and concluded the peace treaty. An absolute date was not set for it, but rather a general period of years. It was ratified by the following oaths that while there was again peace, both sides would observe it more diligently than before. All the castles which the King of Portugal had taken in Galicia were returned to the Emperor's representatives. Likewise, those [97] which the knights of the Emperor had taken from the King were returned to him. Count Ramiro was released, and all the knights who had been captured on either side were given their freedom.

(87) There was peace between them for many years. This period of tranquillity was most beneficial to the Christian cause. The King discharged Counts Rodrigo and Núñez from his service because they had caused discord between himself and the Emperor. Count Gómez Núñez admitted his guilt and repented. He fled across the Pyrenees because there was no place for him to live on the Peninsula. He became a monk at Cluny in France. The Emperor pitied Count Rodrigo and ordered him to come to his palace. He gave him subsidies of gold and silver and treated him as if he were one of' the high-ranking officials who attended him.

(88) The Emperor arranged to go to Santiago to pray. When he had completed this act of devotion, performed in keeping with a previous vow, he returned to Castile and León. He then marched to Pamplona to the land of King García. He camped on the Pamplona plain and sent plundering companies throughout the region. They set fire to a great part of it and destroyed the vineyards and orchards. They returned to the camp bringing a large quantity of booty consisting of bulls, cows, horses and many other riches.

[98] (89) Meanwhile King García had mustered his forces. He had gone to meet the large army of Count Ramón Berenguer of Barcelona. This latter army had both Aragonese and Barcelonian troops in its ranks. King García had joined in battle with these forces and had emerged victorious. From that particular encounter he took many spoils. When the victors were dividing the booty among themselves, the Emperor surprised them with a force of only thirty knights. As soon as his standards appeared King García and all of his escort fled, abandoning the spoils in the field. The Emperor pursued the fleeing king all the way to Pamplona.

(90) After this the Emperor and all his camp returned to the city of Nájera in a spirit of great triumph and joy. Then he went to Castile and ordered a royal proclamation to be announced throughout Castile and León. This was to the effect that in the middle of May all knights and infantrymen should gather in Nájera in order to wage war against King García. However, when the King of Navarra realized that there was no way for him to avoid a war with the Emperor, he became extremely distraught. He called his advisors to his side and gave them the following messages "We must outline some kind of strategy, because the Emperor has made peace with the King of Portugal, and now he will be determined to attack us. He has the capability of ruining us and our land either through actual combat [99] or with a blockade." But they could not reach a decision as to what course would be taken. Meanwhile, Count Alphonse Jordan was making a pilgrimage to Santiago. As such, he was traveling on the royal road that leads to that city. When he passed through Pamplona, the King and the others were very pleased to see him.

(91) After deliberating for some time, Count Alphonse and the other advisors to the King went and met with Alfonso VII. First of all they made peace between the Emperor and the King of Navarra. According to the treaty, King García would obey Alfonso without fail for the rest of his life. After this had been agreed upon, the Count of Toulouse and the King's advisors asked the Emperor to give his daughter, Princess Urraca, to King García in marriage. She was begotten from the Emperor's concubine Guntroda. We have already mentioned that the latter was the daughter of Pedro of Asturias. All of the nobles in the Emperor's palace along with Count Alphonse encouraged the Emperor to give his daughter in marriage to Garcia. In this way the ruler of Navarra would become the Emperor's son-in-law. The plan pleased Alfonso VII, so he accepted it and pledged his daughter to the King of Navarra. A convenient date was selected for the wedding. It was to be in León on the thirteenth day of June.

(92)The Emperor sent messengers to all his knights and to all the nobles in his kingdom. Each of them was to attend [100] the royal wedding escorted by a noble retinue. When the message was received, it pleased all. The Asturians were especially pleased, for Guntroda was from their land. Following the Emperor's instructions, the nobles came to the wedding very handsomely clothed.. All of the groups were competing with each other in this respect. First came the Emperor with his wife, the Empress Berengaria, attended by a large group of nobles from Castile. Then King García entered followed by a large number of knights. He was as perfectly groomed and well dressed as one might expect of a king on his wedding day. Next, the most serene Princess Sancha entered León through the Corria gate. She was accompanied by Princess Urraca, her niece, the bride of King García. They were followed by a multitude of nobles, knights, clerics and maidens. These last were the daughters of nobles from all over Spain.

(93) Princess Sancha had arranged the bed-chamber in the royal palace of Saint Pelayo. There was a large group of entertainers around the bed-chamber. They were all women and girls singing to the accompaniment of flutes, lutes, psalteries and every kind of musical instrument. The Emperor and King Garcia sat on the royal throne on an elevated area in front of the palace doors. The bishops, abbots and all the nobles were sitting around them on stools which had been placed there for the occasion. There were the noble officers especially selected from all of Spain who raced their horses while spurring them according to the custom of the country. Then by hurling [101] their spears forward they would strike a board set up as a target. They performed in this manner to demonstrate both the courage and art of the rider and of his mount. Others provoked the bulls with the barking of their dogs. Then they would kill them with their hunting spears. Finally, a wild boar was placed in the center of the arena for a contest with the blind. They were to kill it, but rather often, in their eagerness to do so, they injured each other. The sport caused uncontrollable laughter for the spectators. There was great rejoicing in León, and everyone blessed God who always made them prosper in all things. The wedding was celebrated in June of the year 1182 of the Spanish Era.

(94) The Emperor gave his daughter and son-in-law several fine gifts. These consisted of gold, silver, horses, mules and many other riches. He blessed them and dismissed them honorably so that they could proceed to Navarra. Princess Sancha gave her niece many silver and gold utensils and several mules loaded down with royal riches. King García and his men set out from León in great glory. They were escorted by Count Rodrigo Gómez, Gutier Fernández and other Castilian nobles. They traveled with the King and his wife all the way to Pamplona, his capital. King Garcia prepared a royal feast for the Castilians and for all the knights and officers of his kingdom. The celebration lasted several days. When it was over, the King gave magnificent gifts to the Castilian nobles, and each of them returned to his land.

(95)Now Guntroda, King García's mother-in-law, recognized the enormous honor paid to her daughter who bad become a queen and had been privileged to have two royal weddings. Even though she possessed many worldly desires, Guntroda looked eagerly to spiritual matters as much as she could. She consecrated herself to God and remained in his service. Accordingly, she became a nun in Oviedo. There she joined a religious community in the church of Saint Mary. She felt that with help from the Mother of God she certainly would be able to discover some joy in life. She would appease God by praising him continually through the Divine Office. She would then await the glorious end of her life persevering in this devout practice. Praying constantly in a true spirit of sincerity, she would repent for all of her sins.

Here begins the second book of the history of the Emperor Alfonso. It deals with the dissensions and battles which he fought against King Ali ⁽⁹²⁾ and his son Texufin. He fought these battles accompanied by the governors of Toledo and the nobles from Extremadura. He also engaged in war against other Moorish kings and leaders.

1. All titles of sections in the text of the translation are taken from the Latin critical edition of the chronicle by Luis Sánchez Belda, Chronica Adefonsi Imperatoris (Madrid: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 1950).

2. Queen Urraca succeeded her father, Alfonso VI, in 1109. She first was married to Count Raymond of Burgundy. He died in 1107, and subsequently a marriage was arranged for her with Alfonso I, the King of Aragón. The threat of the Almoravides and the desire for Peninsular unity conditioned this union more than the mutual compatibility of the spouses. Because of their consanguinity (both were great-granchildren of Sancho el Mayor), the marriage was declared void by Rome. Much of the turbulence of the early twelfth century and the ensuing successional disputes during the reign of Urraca's son, Alfonso VII, were produced by that matrimony. Primera crónica general de España, ed. by Ramón Menéndez Pidal, Antonio G. Solalinde, Manuel Muñoz Cortés and José Gómez Pérez (Madrid: Gredos, 1955), II, 644.

3. Alfonso VI was born in 1040 and he ruled from 1065 until 1109. He succeeded his father, Fernando I, to the crown of León, while his older brother Sancho received Castile. After Sancho's death in 1072, Alfonso became ruler of León and Castile. He died June 30, 1109.

4. Queen Constanza was the second wife of Alfonso VI and Queen of Castile and León. She was the daughter of Robert of Burgundy, and she married Alfonso VI in 1080. She died in 1083 and is buried at the Benedictine monastery at Sahagún.

5. References to dates will follow the original manuscripts of the chronicle which utilize the calendar of the Spanish Era. Thirty-eight years must be subtracted in order to arrive at the corresponding year within the Christian calendar.

6. Count Raymond of Burgandy was the son of William the Great of Burgandy. He came to Spain to fight in the crusade of Alfonso VI which resulted in the disastrous Battle of Sagrajas in 1086. His aunt, Constanza of Burgundy, was the second wife of Alfonso VI. He was appointed Count of all Galicia and was decreed legal successor to the thrones of Castile and León. He died prematurely in 1107.

7. Diego Gelmírez was born in 1067 and became Bishop of Compostela in 1100. He was appointed Archbishop in 1120, and he held the office until his death in 1140. He was also the guardian of the young Alfonso VII after the death of Alfonso VI in 1109. Gelmírez was adept at all offices both religious and civil, and he exercised a controlling authority in the midst of the turbulent political scene during the early years of the twelfth century.

8. Suario Bermúdez, an Austrian noble, was related to Spanish royalty through his paternal grandmother Christina who was the daughter of King Bermudo II of León. Count Suario was a prominent figure in the Galacian court of Raymond and Urraca. He promptly adopted the cause of Alfonso VII. Documents indicate that he consistently aided the young Emperor both in military actions against Alfonso I of Aragón and in the reconquest campaigns.

9. Alfonso Bermúdez, the brother of Suario, is rarely mentioned in the text.

10. Pedro Alfonso, the son of Alfonso Bermúdez, gained a position of influence very early in the reign of the Emperor. He was royal "alférez" or standard-bearer in Alfonso's army of 1129 to 1130. He outlived his king and maintained an energetic presence in the court of Fernando II of León, the Emperor's younger son.

11. One is led to suppose that Rodrigo Bermúdez was a relative of Suario Bermúdez since he is mentioned among the friends and family of this noble in text of the chronicle. He is first mentioned in the court of Urraca in 1110. He performed the duties of "mayordomo"or chief-steward for the Emperor between the years 1127 and 1130.

12. The Rodrigo González of this passage is not to be confused with Rodrigo González de Lara or with Rodrigo González de Villaescusa. He was relatively unknown noble who was probably a judge of the same name in Léon in 1152 and 1153.

13. Pedro Braóliz was a Leonese noble who for a time governed the main castle of León. He submitted quickly to the new authority of Alfonso VII and participated in judicial matters in the royal chancellery.

14. Alphonse Jordan's last name is derived toponymically from the Jordan River where as a child he was baptized. Zurita specifies this matter: "Tuvo otro hijo el conde don Ramón [of Tolouse], que naió allá en Tierra Santa que llamaron don Alfonso Jordán, porque se bautizó en el Jordán. El cual después sucedió en el condado de Tolosa y de San Gil." Anales de la Corona de Aragón, notes and edition by Antonio Ubieto Arteta and María Desamparados Pérez Soler (2 vols.; Valencia, 19670, I, 168. Upon returning from the Holy Land, Count Alphonse discovered that William of Poitiers had expropriated his inherited domains. Count Alphonse immediately went to the Emperor's court where he performed services as royal advisor and envoy. It was he who negotiated peace between King Gacía Ramírez of Navarra and the Emperor in 1140.

15. Count Raymond of Toulouse was a French noble who married Elvira, an illegitimate daughter of Alfonso VI. Elvira's mother was the King's concubine, Jimena Muñoz. Count Raymond died while on a crusade to the Holy Land at the blockade of Tripoli in 1101.

16. Princess Elvira is the same daughter of Alfonso VI is mentioned in note 69.

17. Pedro de Lara was the son of Gonzalo Núñez. He was extremely powerful in Castile and exerted great influence in the court of Alfonso VI. He grew even more prestigious during the reign of Queen Urraca, with whom he maintained intimate relations for a time. Count Pedro fought energetically for Urraca's cause, but after her death in 1126 he allied himself with Alfonso I of Aragón. He was reluctant to submit to the authority of the Emperor, and moreover refused to join in combat against the King of Aragón. He was banished by Alfonso VII and was killed in a duel with Alphonse Jordan in 1130.

18. Rodrigo González de Lara was also the son of Gonzalo Núñez. Like his brother Pedro he attained high position in the court of Queen Urraca who appointed him governor of the region around Asturias de Santillana. He was one of the principal antagonists of the Emperor. After his initial rebellion in 1131, he and Alfonso VII met on the banks of the Pisuerga River. A dispute ensued, and the Count committed the crime of lese majesty physically attacking the King. Rodrigo later returned to the good graces of Alfonso, and in 1136 he was appointed governor of Toledo. Enmity again arose between King and subject, and Count was forced to travel to Jerusalem. Upon his return to Spain in 1139, he was denied entrance to Castile where his family holdings were. He then journeyed to the court of the Moorish king Abengania in Valencia. There he contracted leprosy and died in 1140.

19. Rodrigo Martínez was a celebrated Leonese count who enjoyed an elevated position in both the courts of Queen Urraca and Alfonso VII. He governed the main castle in León in 1127 and also held a high civil post in Astorga. His death at the siege of Coria is dramatically detailed in the chronicle in paragraphs 136 and 138.

20. Osorio Martínez was Rodrigo's brother. He participated in the major civil and military events of the Emperor's reign. Since he was Leonese, he allied himself with Fernando II, Alfonso's second son and his successor to the crown of León.

21. No corroborative documentation can be found relating Ramiro Fróilaz to the events narrated in the chronicle. Zurita is the only author who mentions his name when placing him at the Emperor's side in Zaragoza in 1134. Zurita, I, 216. During the war with Portugal the chronicle affirms that a Count Ramiro was taken prisoner after the Battle of Valdevez (paragraph 82). The author of the Chrónica de Afonso Henriques does not mention the taking of captives nor the presence of this noble in the forces of the Emperor. Crónica de Afonso Henriques, edition and introduction by A. De Magalhã Basto (Oporto: Livraria Civilizaço, 1945), p. 38 and 326.

22. No other indications are offered in the chronicle regarding the last name of this noble. Without further data it is impossible to establish his identity.

23. This act of submission to the Emperor is the only mention of Pedro López in the chronicle. His name is rarely cited in official documents of the period, and he is less renowned than his brother, Lope López.

24. Lope López was the prominent noble who held the post of royal "alférez" from 1123 to 1127. From 1130 to 1134 he was the Emperor's chief steward. He therefore was present at all of the important state occasions during that time. There is evidence that he aided Alfonso at the conquest of Oreja and in the campaign to Almería in 1147.

25. The Asturian Count, Gonzalo Peláez, is portrayed in the chronicle as the prototype of the insurgent noble. He achieved consequential position in the Empire, but only while enjoying the favor of Alfonso VII. For a time the latter made him a member of his royal council, but the Asturian severed relations. He rebelled on three occasions. After his final act of defiance he was exiled and died in Portugal.

26. Teresa, Queen of Portugal, was the daughter of Alfonso VI and his concubine, Jimena Muñoz. She was born in 1070, and in 1095 she married Count Henry of Burgundy. Jointly they ruled the territory of Portugal which was then situated between the Miño and Tajo Rivers. After the death of Alfonso VI, Teresa and her husband endeavored to convince Queen Urraca to divide the crown, hoping to increase their holdings in the western region of the Peninsula. Urraca spurned their suggestion, and Teresa and Henry turned against her and supported her Aragonese husband, Alfonso I. Teresa continued her opposition to Urraca even after Henry's death in 1114. She became regent for her son, Alfonso Enríquez, the Emperor's cousin. Teresa finally signed an agreement recognizing the sovereignty of the Leonese Queen. The chronicle records Teresa's meeting with Alfonso VII in 1127 when she affirmed recognition of his authority. She died in 1130 and was buried at Braga. Menédez Pidal, El imperio hispánico y los cinco reinos, pp. 159-166. L. Viera de Castro, A formacão de Portugal (Lisbon, 1938), pp. 13-14.

27. Fernando Pérez de Traba was the distinguished Galician noble who played such a vital role in twelfth-century Peninsular politics. He was the son of Pedro Fróilaz, the powerful Count of Traba who was the private tutor and protector of the young Alfonso VII. Count Fernando and the Emperor were educated together during their youth. Following the death of Count Henry of Burgundy, the husband of Teresa of Portugal, Fernando assumed a commanding position in the Portuguese court by reason of his intimate relationship with Teresa. After she and Fernando were attacked by her son, the Count fled to the court of the Emperor and remained there for life.

28. García Iñiguez was a minor figure in the court of Alfonso VII. His name does not appear among those which traditionally accompanied royal documentation as confirming witnesses. He appears to have played a more prominent role in the circle of nobles surrounding Queen Urraca.

29. Diego Muñiz was a distinguished noble from Saldaña which is located near Palencia. He performed the duties of royal judge both in his native town and in Carrión. Until 1155 his name is recorded in the majority of documents relevant to major legal actions in the Empire.

30. Rodrigo Vélaz was the most eminent count in Galicia at this time after the Count of Traba. Between 1087 and 1140 he held the title of Count of Sarriá. He manifested unwavering allegiance toward Urraca during her tenure as Queen. He later served Alfonso VII with similar fidelity. He is thought to be the grandson of Rodrigo Vela, the assassin of García, the last Count of Castile. Ramón Menéndez Pidal, Historia y epopeya (2 vols.; Madrid: Centro de Estudios Históricos, 1934), II, 48.

31. Gutier Bermúdez was the brother of Count Suario and, like him, he was an unfailing supporter of Queen Urraca. He transferred his services to Alfonso VII immediately after the latter became king.

32. Pedro Fróilaz was married twice. From his first wife, Urraca, Bermudo and Fernando were born. Little is known about Bermudo, but as has been noted, Fernando attained great prestige during his lifetime. Rodrigo, García and Belasco were sons from Count Pedro's second marriage. Their mother was Mayor Guntroda Rodríguez. As the chronicle notes, Rodrigo was made a count. He performed the duties of royal standard-bearer for Alfonso VII while the latter was King of Galicia. The younger sons, Belasco and García, were relatively minor nobles rarely mentioned in the documents of the period.

33. Pedro Fróilaz was one of the most illustrious nobles mentioned in the Chronica Adefonsi Imperatoris. He was extremely influential in the affairs of Count Raymond of Burgundy and Queen Urraca. Count Pedro was royal tutor of Alfonso VII, and he assiduously defended Alfonso's right to succession to the crowns of Castile and León relying heavily upon the support of the Galician nobility. López Ferreiro, Don Alfonso VII y su ayo, pp. 9-27. Primera crónica general, II, 644.

34. Gómez Núñez was also known as Gómez de Manzanedo. His fame dates from the reign of Queen Urraca. The author of the Chronica Adefonsi Imperatoris does not appear to be entirely accurate regarding the actions of this noble in the war with Portugal. In paragraphs 74 and 77 it is alleged that Gómez Núñez and Rodrigo Pérez betrayed the Emperor in 1136 by handing over their feudal domains to the King of Portugal. However, the Historia compostelana makes reference to only one traitorous noble. Historia compostelana, published by Enrique Flórez (Madrid, 1765), III, 151. Sánchez Belda submits that Rodrigo Pérez was the only noble rebelling on this occasion since documents indicate that Gómez Núñez was at the Emperor's side in 1137 and in 1138, the years immediately following the date of the purported treason. It appears that the seditious release of properties recounted in the chronicle represents actions taken by Gómez Núñez later in his life. Sánchez Belda, pp. xli-xlii.

35. Fernando Juanes of Yáñez was a Galician noble who participated closely in the circle of personages surrounding the Emperor. He was adherent to the Galician faction which proffered early support to Queen Urraca. After her death he served Alfonso VII with dedication, contributing great military expertise during the war with Portugal.

36. Gimeno Íñiguez was an unimportant figure among the Leonese nobility whose name does not appear in other historical records of this period.

37. Alfonso I, King of Aragón, was born in 1073. He was the second son of King Sancho Ramírez from the latter's second marriage. He became ruler of Aragón after the death of his stepbrother, Pedro I, in 1104. Soon after, a marriage was arranged for him with Urraca, the widowed daughter of Alfonso VI. Various factors determined the failure of this union. The Galician nobility interfered because they saw the cause of Alfonso Raimúndez threatened. The clergy of León and Castile were deeply antagonistic because the Battler King had sacked their churches. Finally, Pope Calixtus II, the uncle of Alfonso VIII, declared the marriage void on grounds of consanguinity. Urraca and Alfonso I were both great-grandchildren of Sancho el Mayor. Territorial claims resulting from this brief marriage later produced a military confrontation between Alfonso I and Alfonso VII. It was resolved with the Treaty of Támara. Menéndez Pidal places the date of the treaty in 1124. Lacarra offers documentation which indicates the year 1127 Ramón Menéndez Pidal, "Sobre un Tratado de Paz entre Alfonso el Batallador y Alfonso VII," Boletín de la Academia de la Historia, XXXII (1943), 115-131. José María Lacarra, "Alfonso el Batallador y las Paces de Támara," Estudios de Edad Media de la Corona de Aragon, III (1947- 48), 461-473. Alfonso I of Aragón died shortly after his defeat in the Battle of Fraga. The Chronica Hispanicum is the most explicit of all sources regarding his demise: "Era MCLXXII lidió el Rey de Aragón con Avengania en Fraga el día de Santa Justa et Ruyfina. Et morió el Rey Don Alfonso en Porellino denant Saraguenda, la víspera de la Natividad de Santa María." Claudio Sanz Arizmendi, "Sobre la muerte de Alfonso I, el Batallador," Revista de Archivos, Bibliotecas y Museos, XXI (November-December, 1909), 571-572.

38. Rodrigo Gómez is not to be confused with the other personage of the same name whose rebellion is noted in paragraph 30. The chronicle pointedly mention the title "Consul" (governor of extensive territories) having been given to this Rodrigo Gómez of paragraph 8. Although Castilian, he was completely loyal to Alfonso VII.

39. Diego Gómez receives only this incidental reference in the chronicle. Other than being the brother of Rodrigo Gómez, nothing more is revealed about him.

40. Lope Díaz de Haro was the son of Diego López de Haro. The Primera crónica general praised his aggressive actions in the Battle of Navas de Tolosa. He was a distinguished noble of the ancient Haro family from Vizcaya.

41. García Garcés was a civil judge in Ávila in 1142, and he was a prominent figure in the later Analsiam campaigns of the Emperor between 1150 and 1157. His relationship with the Lara family is confirmed in De Rebus Hispaniae. He was son of Countess Eva, the second wife of Pedro González de Lara. For a time he was guardian of the child King, Alfonso VIII. Rodrigo Jiménez de Rada, De Rebus Hispaniae (Madrid: Toledanos de Lorenzana, 1773), III, 15.

42. Gutier Fernández was an eminent member of the Castro family of Castile. His presence is recorded in both the court of Alfonso VI and in the retinue of Queen Urraca. He is famous for his opposition to her marriage with Pedro de Lara. He lent military strength to the Emperor's forays into Andalusia. Gutier Fernández was also guardian to Sancho III and royal tutor to Alfonso VIII.

43. Rodrigo Fernández was appointed governor of Toledo in 1137. He was one of the foremost military leaders involved in the defense of the Toledo frontier during the first half of the twelfth century.

44. Pedro González de Villaescusa is not to be confused with Pedro González de Lara. He was a lesser figure of the period about whom there is no further reference in the chronicle.

45. Sancho Arnáldez was an Aragonese knight whom the chronicle designates as keeper of the Burgos castle in 1127. Alfonso I of Aragón held the city that year. However, a document from 1127 names Fortunio López as the governor of Burgos then: "Fertunio Lopiz in Burgus et in Soria," Lacarra, "Documentos para la Reconquista del Valle del Ebro," Estudios de la Edad Media de la Corona de Aragón, III (1947-48), doc. 132, 534.

46. Gaston of Bearne was the fifth Count of Bearne who through marriage was related to Ramiro I of Aragón. He was envoy to the Emperor from the Battler King in the Treaty of Támara. He did not die at the Battle of Fraga like so many other French vassals of Alfonso I, but earlier in 1130. Zurita, I, 165, 176, 186, 191, 194 and 216.

47. Centulo of Bigorra was a renowned noble of Provence who became a vassal of Alfonso I in 1122. He perished at the Battle of Fraga.

48. Ramón Berenguer III, known as "The Great," was Count of Barcelona from 1096 to 1131. Without the aid of allies he contained the advances of the Almoravides in Aragón in 1102. F. Soldevila, Historia de Cataluña (Barcelona: Ediciones Ariel, 1922), II, 130. With the assistance of Italian troops, he led the reconquest of the Baleares between 1113 and 1115. Toward the end of his life, he signed treaties with Alfonso I of Aragón. His first wife was María Rodríguez, one of the daughters of the Cid. In 1112, he married Dulce, a Provençal countess. From this union his successor, Ramón Berenguer IV, was born and also Berengaria, who later became the wife of Alfonso VII.

49. Berengaria (also known as Berenguela) was the first wife of Alfonso VII and Queen of Castile and León from 1128 until her death in 1149. She is portrayed as an energetic empress in the chronicle, admired for her prudence and generosity. Presumably, her Provençal ancestry contributed to the extension of the Emperor's influence through the South of France.

50. Princess Sancha, the sister of Alfonso VII, was born in 1106. She enjoyed considerable prestige as advisor to her brother even in matters of the state. The Chronica Adefonsi Imperatoris characterizes her as an intelligent woman who was distinguished for her piety. She was responsible for the construction of numerous churches on the Peninsula. The Crónica najerense dates her death in 1154. However, Menédez Pidal insists that her epitaph is more accurate. It offers the date in both the Spanish Era, 1197, and in the Christian calendar, 1159. Ramón Menédez Pidal, "Relatos poéticos en las crónicas medievales," Revista de Filología Española, X (1923), 334.

51. Pedro was not the Bishop of Pamplona in 1129. It appears that the chronicler erred regarding this prelate. In 1129, the Bishop of Pamplona was Sancho. P. Kehr, "El Papado y los Reinos de Navarra y Aragón hasta Mediados del siglo XII," translated from the German by María Luisa Vásquez de Parga and included in Estudios de Edad Media de la Corona de Aragón (Zaragoza, 1946), II, 156.

52. Count Beltran was the older brother of Alphonse Jordan, Count of Toulouse, and the son-in-law of Pedro de Lara. After participating in the conquest of Tripoli, he came to Spain and became a vassal of Alfonso I of Aragón. Zurita, I, 166. Marcel Vic and Joseph Vaissete, Histoire de Languedoc (Toulouse: E. Privat, 1873), V, col. 826-827.

53. Pedro Díaz de Valle is not to be confused with the Austrian noble, Pedro Díaz, who was the father of Guntroda, the Emperor's concubine. The Pedro Díaz of paragraph 19 rebelled against Alfonso VII for unknown motives after having been a loyal member of his court.

54. Pelayo Fróilaz was a lesser member of the Asturian aristocracy about whom little can be determined since his name does not appear in historical sources of the twelfth century.

55. Oriol Garcés was an Aragonese noble whose allegiance to Alfonso I of Aragón is authenticated through several documents. The most noteworthy is a donation from the Aragonese ruler to Oriol Garcés in January, 1129. The noble's position as governor of Castrojeriz is corroborated in the document: "Ego Adefonsus, Dei gratia rex facio hanc cartam donacionis et confirmacionis vobis Ariol Garceç de Castrogeriz." Lacarra, Estudios de Edad Media, III, doc. 154, 552.

56. Zafadola was also known as Almonstansir Abenhud. He was the son of Abdelmelic Imadodaula, the last Moorish king of Zaragoza. He descended from the famous Beni-Hud dynasty which ruled Zaragoza during the Taifas period from 1039 to 1110. Zafadola became a vassal of Alfonso VII in 1131when he delivered to him the town of Rueda which he ruled. The Cronica Adefonsi Imperatoris recounts his influence in the reign of the Emperor and his consequential activities in the rebellion against the Almoravides in 1144. He was killed in 1146 by fanatical Christian knights. Codera, Decadencia de Almorávides, pp. 53-57, 71-88, 303, 307.

57. The Almoravides are referred to as "Moabitas" in the Latin text of the chronicle. They were a fanatical Moslem dynasty of North African origin which existed from 1055 to 1147. Their initial incursions on the Peninsula were at the request of the faltering kings of the Taifus who sought their military assistance against the increasingly hostile policies of Alfonso VI. Their rapid expansion resulted from a radical religious spirit and a strict military discipline. The rise of the Almohades precipitated the end of the Almoravides. José Antonio Conde, Historia de la dominación de los árabes en España (Paris: Baudry, 1840), pp. 349-463.

58. Sancho, the Castilian, was also known as "El Deseado." He was the first-born son of the Emperor and Queen Berengaria. In 1151 he married Princess Blanca of Navarra, daughter of King García Ramírez. At the death of Alfonso VII in 1157, Sancho inherited the crown of Castile, while his brother Fernando received León. A premature death in 1158 allowed Sancho a reign of only one year. His most noteworthy act was the foundation of the military order of the Knights of Calatrava in 1158.

59. Rodrigo Gómez of this passage is not to be confused with the Castilian Count, Rodrigo Gómez. The rebellious noble mentioned in paragraph 30 was a lesser figure of the Austrian aristocracy.

60. Guntroda, the Emperor's concubine, descended from Austrian nobility. She bore him a daughter, the Princess Urraca, who became the Queen of Navarra. Guntroda died in 1186 near Oviedo at the Convent of Vega which she had founded.

61. Pedro Díaz, the father of Guntroda, was a member of the Asturian aristocracy. This fact and his marriage to María Ordóñez are authenticated in documents related to litigation which he brought against the Monastery of Eslonza claiming possession of the Church of San Juan de Verbio. Archives of the Monastery of Eslonza, IX, 38.

62. Urraca was the illegitimate daughter of Alfonso VII and his concubine Guntroda. She was the second wife of King García Ramírez of Navarra. They were married on the 24^th of June, 1144. Urraca died in Asturians sometime after 1164.

63. Texufin succeeded his father Ali to the throne of the Almoravide dynasty in 1143. During his short reign, the Almohades realized extensive advances in North Africa, and the rebellion of the Spanish Moslems against the Almoravides was initiated in Andalusia. Texufin was forced to flee his court in Morocco. He perished there while being pursued by Almohade forces. Moorish authors differ regarding the date of his death. The years 1144, 1145 and 1146 are all cited. Codera, Decadencia de Almorávides, pp. 27-28, 285-291.

64. Tello Fernández, originally from Sadaña, was mayor of Aceca before 1133. A donation from Alfonso VII in 1128 confirms his presence there. His death at the hands of the Almoravides prompted the Emperor to seek vengeance. This was one of the motives of his Andalusian campaign in 1133.

65. In medieval chronicles, Old Testament appellations commonly designated the enemies of the Christians. Saracenus offered a miscellaneous denotation referring to all Moslems. Thus, both the Almoravides (Moabitas) and the Spanish Moslems (Agareni) were called Saracens.

66. The precise location of the Amarela pass is unknown. However, since the Christian army proceeded to Talavera, one can surmise that it is one of the passes located on the western side of the mountains to the southwest of Toledo.

67. Gutier Armíldez was the seventh governor of Toledo after its reconquest in 1085. A donation from Alfonso VII in 1126 substantiates his holding this office. Berganza, Antigüedades, II, 53.

68. Ariano was bishop of Léon from 1130 to 1135. He presided at the Coronation of the Emperor in 1135.

69. Proverbs 21:1.

70. Alfonso Enríquez was the son of Count Henry of Burgundy and Teresa, an illegitimate daughter of Alfonso VI. He therefore was the Emperor's first cousin. Count Henry died in 1114, and Teresa became regent. In 1127, with the aid of the Portuguese nobility, Alfonso Enríquez rebelled against his mother because of her relations with Pedro Fróilaz, Count of Traba. She was exiled in 1128, and Alfonso assumed control of Portugal. He signed the Treaty of Tuy in 1137 recognizing the sovereignty of Alfonso VII. A persistent desire for Portuguese autonomy forced the Emperor to acknowledge the independence of the new kingdom. This was formalized in the Treaty of Valdevez in 1143. Historians acknowledge Alfonso I of Portugal as a major contributor toward his nation's independence. Bailey W. Diffie, Prelude to Empire: Portugal Overseas before Henry the Navigator (Omaha: University of Nebraska Press, 1960), pp. 15-18, 21-22, 24-25.

71. Count Henry of Burgundy came to Spain with other French nobles to aid Alfonso VI in the reconquest of Toledo. In 1095 he married Teresa, a natural daughter of Alfonso. He ruled Portugal with Teresa until his death in 1114.

72. Ramón Berenguer IV, the son and successor of Ramón Berenguer III, was Count of Barcelona from 1131 to 1162. In 1137 his marriage was arranged with Petronila, the infant daughter of Ramiro II, King of Aragón. The latter ruler conceded his entire kingdom to his daughter as dowry and retired from the throne. Through his marriage the union of Cataluña and Aragón was produced, and Ramón Berenguer IV became King of Aragón. He never utilized this title formally. In 1140, Alfonso VII acknowledged him as governor of Aragón requiring that the Count pledge his feudal homage to him. Zurita, II, 22-27, 50-58.

73. García Ramírez, known as "El Restaurador," was king of Navarra from 1134 to 1150. He was the son of Ramiro Sánchez of Monzón and Christina, the elder daughter of the Cid. His reign is characterized by the political independence he was able to pursue in the face of the Emperor's imperial policies. García Ramírez became ruler of Navarra after the death of Alfonso I of Aragón. In 1144 he married Urraca, the illegitimate daughter of the Emperor. F. Soldevila, Historia de España (8 vols.; 2^nd ed.; Barcelona: Ariel, 1959), I, 226-228.

74. Abengania, also known as Ibn Ganiya, was the renowned Almoravide chieftain who commanded the reinforcement troops which decided the outcome of the Battle of Fraga in 1134. He ruled Valencia and Murcia, and at the outset of the Almohade invasion in 1147, he governored Córdoba. He established feudal relations with the Emperor that year. However, because of the growing demands made on him by Alfonso VII, Abengania entered a clandestine alliance with Barraz, the Almohade governor of Sevilla. He delivered Córdoba and Jaén to Barraz and retired to Granada where he died January 7, 1149.

75. Guido, the bishop of Lescar, was a powerful French prelate who was part of the army of Alfonso I of Aragón at the Battle of Fraga. He was one of the few eminent figures not killed in that conflict. The Chronica Adefonsi Imperatoris mentions his imprisonment after the battle. The duration of his captivity must have been brief, because the disaster at Fraga took place in July of 1134, and in December of that year Bishop Guido was in Zaragoza with Alfonso VII. Lacarra, Estudios de Edad Media, II, doc. 86, 538.

76. Arnald Dot became bishop of Jaca and Huesca in 1130. Twelfth-century documents attest to his frequent presence in the retinue of Alfonso I of Aragón. He perished in the Battle of Fraga. Lacarra, Estudios de Edad Media, II, doc.65, 66, 77, 80, 82 and 83.; 523-536.

77. Garsion of Gabeston does not appear in any documents of the twelfth century. The name "Garsion" appears in a document of September, 1121 in which Alfonso I of Aragón donated lands to a certain Riquer de Huesca. The Garsion of that document might possibly have been the individual mentioned herein. Lacarra, Estudios de Edad Media, II, doc. 21, 491.

78. Bertrand of Laon was one of the most prominent French vassals of Alfonso I of Aragón. He was related to the royal house of Aragón through his cousin, Felicia de Roucy, who was the wife of Sancho Ramírez. Bertrand died at the Battle of Fraga. T. Jiménez de Embún, Ensayo histórico acerca de los orígenes de Aragón y Navarra (Zaragoza, 1878), p. 299.

79. The name of Fortunel of Fol does not appear in any of the documents of the period. The information in the chronicle is the only source available concerning this figure. He also died at the Battle of Fraga.

80. Ogier of Miramont, a powerful Frrench vassal of Alfonso I of Aragón, assisted in the reconquest of Zaragoza in January of 1114. Zurita, I, 166. He perished in the Battle of Fraga.

81. Neither Raymond of Talar nor Calvete of Sua are mentioned in historical sources of the twelfth century.

82. Almaric of Narbonne took an active part in Aragonese reconquest campaigns. He fought in the expedition to regain the Belearic Islands from 1114 to 1116. He died in the Battle of Fraga.

83. Ramiro II, "El Monje," was king of Aragón from 1134 to 1137. After the demise of his brother, Alfonso I, Ramiro was elected king of Aragón in Jaca. Previous to that he had been a monk in the monastery of San Pedro el Viejo in Huesca. In 1136 he broke his monastic vows and married Ines, the sister of William of Poitiers. After a daughter, Petronila, was born, he abdicated his throne. His kingdom was delivered to his daughter as dowry, for she had been promised in marriage to Ramón Berenguer IV. He took charge of the kingdom and Ramiro returned to his monastery. P. de Bofarull, Documentos inéditos del Archivo de la Corona de Aragón, IV, doc. II. Federico Balaguer, "La Chronica Adefonsi Imperatoris y la Elevación de Ramiro II al Trono aragonés," Estudios de Edad Media de la Corona de Aragón, VI (1956), 7-40.

84. Ines of Poitiers was the sister of William VIII, Count of Poitiers and Duke of Gascony. See note 149.

85. Petronila was the daughter of Ramiro II of Aragón and Ines of Poitiers. As an infant she was espoused to the Count of Barcelona, Ramón Berenguer IV. After the death of her husband in 1162, Petronila relinquished the crown to her son, Alfonso II of Aragón. She died in 1174.

86. García Guerra was the bishop of Zaragoza in 1134. Although the chronicle fails to mention him by name, a document dated September 27, 1134 in Zaragoza designates him as bishop. The document confirms that Alfonso VII donated to the Bishop of Zaragoza one-forth of the funds in the treasury of that city. Lacarra, Estudios de Edad Media, II, doc. 89, 542.

87. William, the fifth Count of Montpellier, was one of the French nobles who most actively participated in Peninsular affairs during the twelfth century. He was allied with Ramón Berenguer III in the reconquest of the Balearic Islands in 1114. In 1134 he was with Alfonso VII in Zaragoza, and that same year he became a vassal of the Emperor. Zurita, II, 32.

88. Exodus 22:18.

89. I Samuel 25:32; II Samuel 18:28.

90. Rodrigo Pérez Volloso's first and last name are identical to those of Rodrigo Pérez de Traba. This fact hinders the distinction of the two in medieval documents. Sánchez Belda indicates that the Historia compostelana cites the actions of only one traitorous noble during the Emperor's war with Portugal, and fails to mention the Galician noble, Rodrigo Pérez Velloso.

91. Ladrón Navarro was one of the most illustrious figures in the court of King García Ramírez. He was influential in determining that ruler's ascension to the throne of Navarra. In 1135 he was one of the three "ricos-hombres" who unsuccessfully attempted to negotiate a peace between Aragón and Navarra in Vadoleungo. Zurita, I, 210.

92. Ali was the son of the first powerful Almoravide King, Yusuf ben Texufin. He succeeded his father in 1106 and ruled until his death in 1143. He first came to the Peninsula in 1106 to consolidate the Almoravide rule by appointing new leaders in major Andalusian cities. In the early years of his reign, Ali enjoyed considerable military success against Castile and Portugal. In the latter years of his rule, the militaristic impetus of the Almoravides diminished in the face of Almohade insurgency in North Africa and the Christian coalescence under Alfonso VII. Chronicón lusitano, ed. By E. Flórez, España sagrada, XIV, 420. Codera, Decadencia de almorávides, pp. 5-26, 230-238.