to take the usual Oath of maintaining the Privileges of the Subjects and receive Homage of the Nobility The King of Leon his Father offended that he had been so imposed upon sent before his Brother Sancho to invade Castile and followed himself soon after doing much harm in the Territory of Campos Queen Berengaria sent two Bishops to appease him but to no purpose D. Alvaro de Laro seem'd to side with him whereupon the King ravag'd the Country and was in hopes to have taken Burgos yet D. Lope de Haro and others made him draw back with more speed than he came Segovia and Avila being before secured by D. Alvaro had not submitted to the new King but now they sent Embassadors to the Queen excusing themselves and promising for the future a constant Fidelity which they perform'd Now D. Alvaro consented that the dead King's Body which till then he kept at Tarriego should be bury'd The Queen and some Bishops accompanied it to Huelgas where it was interr'd as was said before King Ferdinand at the same time besieg'd and took Munon a strong Town and then went with his Mother to Burgos to hold the Cortes or Parliament they had summoned thither After this they took Lerma and Lara all things submitting to the new King except the Family of Lara and their Party who had the boldness to take up at Herreruela a Town in the King's way as he was going to Palencia Most of his Men quartered in the Town and he in a Farm hard by The King's Forces having Intilligence hereof unexpectedly fell upon him and tho' he endeavoured to defend himself took him Prisoner Here an end might have been put to all the Troubles but the King thought himself too secure Thus D. Alvaro having delivered up to the King all the Towns that belong'd to the Crown was not only set at Liberty but received into Favour His Brother Ferdinand refusing to deliver Castroxoriz and Orejon was permitted to hold them as the King's Lieutenant This Peace was not lasting for those Men being used to Rule could not be content with a private Life but gathering Forces spoiled the Country of Campos King Ferdinand soon drove them out of his Dominions and they fled to Leon where they stirr'd up that King who was preparing for it to Invade Castile Some Gentlemen of Castile broke into Leon and that King coming down Besieged them in Castellon betwixt Salamanca and Medina del Campo Men flocking on the one side to relieve and on the other to press the Besieged at last a Treaty was set on foot and a Truce concluded betwixt the Father and Son D. Alvaro de Lara being at that time sick caused himself to be carry'd on Mens Shoulders to the City Toro and there dy'd having at the time of his Death taken the Habit of Santiago as was then used to obtain the Indulgencies granted to that Order He was bury'd at Vcles the head Monastery of that Order His Brother Ferdinand who had fled to Africk liv'd in a Town called Elbora near Morocco where he also ended his days having taken the Habit of S. John The Death of these turbulent Men raised the hopes of all Men that a lasting Peace might now be concluded with Leon. Thus all were bent upon carrying on the Wars against the Moors the Pope granted Indulgencies great numbers of Men were raised rather in hopes of Plunder than to get any Pardon of their Sins They ransack'd all Estremadura and laid Siege to Caçeres but were forc'd to quit it by reason of the great Rains which oblig'd them to break up and go into quarters in the Year of our Lord 1218. Whilst these Confusions reigned in Spain the neighbouring Countries were no less consumed with intestine Broils War is the Nursery of all sort of Vices which now consequently were at their full growth In the midst of this darkness God enlightned the World with the example of many virtuous Men who taught the way to Salvation Neither wanted there many that followed them Among them all one of the chiefest was the Holy Father S. Dominick born at Caleruela betwixt Osma and Aranda He was first a Canon Regular then laboured much to root out the Heresie of the Albigenses as was said before and Instituted the Holy Order of Preaching confirmed by Pope Honorius He Founded several Monasteries in Spain and returning into Italy dy'd at Bolonia The same Year another Order was Instituted in Spain called de la Merced It was first thought of by Jaime King of Aragon and perfected by Peter Nolascus a Frenchman This Order was Instituted for the Redemption of Captives Their Habit is white as also their Hood on the former the Arms of Aragon and a Cross in a red Field Next was S. Francis born at Assis in Italy Founder of the Order of his Name and S. Anthony of Padua of the same Order In Castile the War was renewed against the Moors at the instance of Roderick Archbishop of Toledo 200000 Men were gathered in the Year 1219. They plundred the Country took some Places of no note and laid Siege to Requena but were forc'd to quit it In fine the Success was not answerable to the Preparations for only a rich Booty was taken and the Army dismiss'd CHAP. VI. The Marriages of two Kings Ferdinand of Castile and Jayme of Aragon King Ferdinand quells many Commotions Death of the Kings of France and Portugal THIS Year of our Lord 1219. there hap'ned a great Famine and Mortality in Spain At the same time Jayme King of Aragon was about removing his Uncle Sancho from the Government but upon his promise of acting better for the future forgave him The King tho' but 11 Years of Age began to give tokens of Valour and take delight in Arms and Martial Affairs One Roderick de Lizana a Man in great Power was at variance with a Kinsman of his own called Lope Albero and of great Friends they were become mortal Enemies Roderick watching his opportunity seizes his Adversary and carries him Prisoner to his Castle of Lizana The King commanded him to use no further Violence but be content with what he had done but he refused to obey This so offended the King that gathering a Body of Men at Huesca he marched to Albero a Town Lizana had possess'd himself of and in two days recover'd it Thence he came before the Castle of Lizana the Patrimony of that rebellious Gentleman and because the Garison refused to surrender caused a famous Engine to be brought from Huesca which would cast 1500 Stones in 24 Hours With this the Wall was shaken many Men killed and the Garison obliged to surrender Albero was restored to his liberty and his Adversary having lost the Castle fled to Albaracin where Peter Fernandez de Açagra was his great Friend Thence having according to the Custom of those times in Writing Renounced his Country and Allegiance he infested the Borders of Aragon
Jews expelled Spain Pope Innocent VIII dies Alexander VI. succeeds him Navarre pacified Roussillon and Cerdagne restored to King Ferdinand p. 460 Chap. II Discoveries and Conquests of the Spaniards in the West-Indies Controversies arise betwixt the Crowns of Spain and Portugal concerning their Discoveries Roussillon and Cerdagne restored to King Ferdinand p. 461 Chap. III. Palma one of the Canary-Islands Conquered The Mastership of the three Military Orders annexed to the Crown of Castile The Original of the Neapolitan War The Death of Ferdinand King of Naples p. 464 Chap. IV. The French invade the Kingdom of Naples An Account of Luis Sforcia Duke of Milan The French King at Rome Alonso King of Naples Abdicates The French possess themselves of the Kingdom of Naples p. 465 Chap. V. The League against the French carried on with wonderfull secrecy The French King returns home The Venetians overthrown by the French King Ferdinand of Naples successful against them and recovers that Noble City p. 468 Chap. VI The Death of John II. King of Portugal The French quite expell'd the Kingdom of Naples Ferdinand King of Spain honoured by the Pope with the Title of Catholick King The posture of Affairs in Portugal under Emanuel the new King p. 469 Chap. VII The Death of Ferdinand King of Naples The Emperor passes into Italy The Popes Forces defeated by the Ursini The Death of the Duke of Gandia The Marriage of Prince John of Spain Proposals concerning setling the Kingdom of Naples p. 472 Chap. VIII Progress of the Portugueses Discoveries in the East Peter Covillam and Alonso de Paira sent to India by Land Vasca de Gama sent to discover India by Sea with four Ships His Voyage till he came to Calicut p. 474 Chap. IX A short but particular Account of India what happened to Vasco de Gama at Calicut His bold Enterprize there and a Relation of his return to Portugal p. 476 Chap. X. An Account of the Navigation of Vasco de Gama and of all the Coasts of Africk as they lay in his way Of the Island of Zocotora and of all the Coast of Asia as far as China and the Method observed by the Portugueses in Sailing thither p. 478 The Twenty Seventh BOOK Chap. I. THE Death of the Prince of Castile Of Charles VIII King of France Matches of two Daughters of Spain The Prince of Salerno expelled Naples France and Spain agree Hierom Savonorola burnt at Florence p. 480 Chap. II. The King of Portugal sworn Heir to the Crown of Castile Elizabeth his Queen delivered of a Son dies The Duke of Milan expelled his Dominions Vniversity of Alcala founded Rebellion of the Mountain Moors p. 481 Chap. III. The Birth of the Emperor Charles V. The French possess themselves of the State of Milan and take the Duke and his Brother the Cardinal The great Year of Jubelee 1500. The League betwixt France and Spain Cefalonia taken from the Turks p. 484 Chap. IV. King Ferdinand 's double dealing The Princess Mary of Castile Marry'd to the King of Portugal The French and Spaniards jointly subdue the Kingdom of Naples Actions of the Great Captain p. 486 Chap. V. The French and Spaniards fall at variance about divideing their Conquest The Description of the Kingdom of Naples Frederick King of Naples puts himself into the French King's hands French perish by Pestilence and stress of Weather The coming of the Arch-Duke into Spain p. 488 Chap. VI. Further Actions of the Great Captain at Naples The Duke of Calabria contrary to Articles sent into Spain The French and Spanish Generals consult their Kings and have a Conference to adjust Differences in the division of Naples The beginning of the War betwixt them p. 490 Chap. VII The Arch-Duke of Austria and Princess his Wife sworn Heirs of Aragon He goes away for Flanders The Spaniards offer Battle to the French several small Actions betwixt them The Spaniards decline in Calabria are defeated p. 492 Chap VIII Great Booty taken by the Spaniards as also the Sieur de la Palisse A Combat betwixt 13 French and as many Italians Several losses of the French The Marques del Gasto comes over to the Spaniards p. 494 Chap. IX The Peace concluded by the Arch-Duke with France It takes no effect Succours from Spain arrive at Naples The Lord Aubigni defeated and taken p. 496 Chap. X. The Battle of Cirinola and great overthrow of the French Almost all the Kingdom of Naples subdued by the Great Captain His Reception into that Noble City p. 497 The Twenty Eight BOOK Chap. I. THE Siege of Gaeta The Death of Pope Alexander VI. Pius III. chosen Practices of the Spaniards The French invade Roussillion p. 501 Chap. II. The French Besiege Saulses or as the Spaniards call it Salsas The Siege raised Nineteen Sail of Infidels destroyed Pope Pius III. dies Julius II. chosen The French Army marches thro' Italy Two Defeats given them p. 502 Chap. III. The City Gaeta surrendred A Truce betwixt France and Spain The Prefect of Rome submits to Spain The Nobility of Naples swear Allegiance to Spain and several Cities of Italy sue for its Protection Truce for 3 years betwixt France and Spain p. 505 Chap. VI. Perfidiousness of Duke Valentine who is as perfidiously sent into Spain by the Great Captain contrary to his Promise and he ill represented to the King Projects of Peace betwixt France and Spain come to nothing p. 507 Chap. V. The League betwixt the Emperor the Arch-Duke and King of France The League against the Venetians The Death of King Frederick of Naples and Queen Elizabeth of Castile Contention about the Government of Castile betwixt King Ferdinand and King Philip. Treaties with France p. 509 Chap. VI. King Ferdinand becomes odious to his People The posture of Affairs in Italy The Emperor and King Philip of Castile Ratifie the Peace with France King Ferdinand agrees with the French King p. 511 Chap. VII Mazalquivir in Africk taken from the Moors The Nobility of Spain divided for and against King Philip. The Agreement made betwixt the two Kings Ferdinand and Philip The latter in England p. 513 Chap. VIII The Affairs of Portugal A bloody Mutiny at Lisbon King Ferdinand Marries Queen Germana King Philip comes into Spain and declares against the Treaty with King Ferdinand Death of Christopher Columbus p. 515 Chap. IX The Spaniards and Flemings at variance upon their first Meeting King Ferdinand raises Forces pretending to rescue his Daughter Many forsake him and he is forced to quit Castile An Interview of the two Kings p. 517 Chap. X. The two Kings of Spain agree and join in League Joanna King Philip 's Queen Distracted thro' Jealousie Troubles in Castile King Ferdinand and his Queen go to Zaragoca Jealeusie started against the Great Captain King Philip dies p. 519 The Twenty Ninth BOOK Chap. I. THE Settlement made by the Nobility of Castile after the Death of King Philip. The Catholick King goes over to Naples His Reception
was of double Inclinations some Good but more Bad. At first he gained Credit by his good Government and soon lost it by his excessive Luxury Cruelty and Avarice In his time Germanicus waged War in the farthest part of France and it being known in Spain that he suffered great want of all Necessaries they sent him Arms Horses and a great sum of Money which last he refused but accepted of the rest returned thanks to the Spaniards for their Affection to the People of Rome This hap'ned in the second Year of Tiberius at which time also leave was given to the Embassadors of Hispania citerior to build a Temple in Honour of Augustus Those of Hispania ulterior that they might not be behind hand with the others in Flattery begged leave to build a Temple in Honour of Tiberius and his Mother Livia a thing never used whilst Princes were living and therefore it was denied them The Cantabri at the same time Revolted and infested the neighbouring Country which oblig'd the Romans to place several Garrisons in that Province whereby their Insolency was curbed and those barbarous People by Conversing with the Romans grew more Civiliz'd Gneius Piso who had Govern'd Spain and was suspected to have Poison'd Germanicus kill'd himself at Rome Vibius Serenus who had been Proconsul of Hispania ulterior accused his own Son of taking Bribes in that Province and he being Convicted was Banished to Amorga one of the Islands in the Aegean Sea reckon'd among the Cyclades L. Piso who was Pretor in Hispania citerior by laying new Taxes and Impositions so far incens'd the Natives that they Conspired against him and he was kill'd by a Country-man among the Termistini He endeavoured to make his escape but having tir'd his Horse was taken and put to the Rack to draw from him a discovery of the other Conspirators but all in vain for the Day after being again brought out to be Tormented he slipt from his Guards and ran his Head against a Rock with such force that he fell down dead So great was the Fidelity Secrecy and Regard of Friendship in a Clown This hap'ned in the Year of Christ 26. As Tiberius advanced in Years so he grew in Avarice and all manner of Wickedness a just Judgment of Heaven for that he did not punish the cruel Executioners of our Lord Christ the Son of God who suffered in his time The Emperor Tiberius dy'd on the 16th of March in the 78th Year of his Age which was of Christ 38. Gneius Acceronius Proculus and C. Porcius Niger being Consuls Caius the Son of Germanicus succeed him in the Empire and of a certain sort of Buskin he wore called in Latin Caligae he had the name of Caligula He was only remarkable for Madness which lasted all his Life and for the manner of his Death being killed by Cherea one of the Captains of his Guards Aemelius Regulus of Cordova had attempted the same before but failed of the Execution and suffered Death His Power lasted but three Years ten Months and eight Days which were spent in extravagant Vices and Enormities Caligula being dead Caius Claudius his Uncle by the Father who lay hid for fear of being killed was brought out and Proclaimed Emperor in the Year of Christ 42. This Emperor was wholly adicted to Vice but above all his carelesness was such that his Wife Messalina durst presume publickly and almost in his sight to Marry a young Noble Man called Silius It is true she was at length tho' with much difficulty Executed for it This set him at liberty to commit another Enormity for he Marry'd Agrippina his Niece Daughter to his Brother Germanicus Such Marriages were forbid among the Romans but he made a Law which declared it Lawful for Uncles to Marry their Nieces He held the Roman Empire almost 14 Years In his time Drusilaus Rotundus Govern'd Hispania citerior and Vmbonius Silus Betica Now also Christianity was first Preach'd and began to take Root in Spain for James the Son of Zebedee Sirnam'd the Greater after Preaching in Judea and Samaria came into Spain as Isidorus witnesseth He first spread the light of the Gospel in Zaragoca where at his Instance was built a Church of the Invocation of the blessed Virgin now called of the Pillar as it is receiv'd by a constant Tradition among those People Afterwards having suffered Martyrdom at Jerusalem in the Year of Christ 42. his Body was taken up by his Disciples and put into a Ship and after Coasting about the greatest part of Spain they landed it in the farthest parts of Galicia in the City Iria Flavia now call'd El Padron whence it was translated to Compostela a place held in Veneration throughout all the Christian World on account of that Holy Body lying there The Body of this Apostle for several Ages was lost and forgot till in the Reign of King Alonso the Chast about the Year of our Lord 800. it was miraculously discovered and a Church built in the same place where it has been highly Reverenced This Devotion was much increased when D. Ramiro who Reigned soon after Alonso with the Assistance of this Saint won the famous Battle of Claviso fought against the Moors whereby he delivered the Christians of a most heavy Imposition by which they were oblig'd to deliver Yearly to those Infidels 100 chosen Maids Hence the Custom used by the Spanish Soldiers of calling upon St. James in Battle had its Original And from this time the Spaniards oblig'd themselves by a Vow to pay a certain Measure of Corn out of every Acre of Arable Land Yearly to the Church of St. James which Custom having suffered many changes has been renewed by several Popes who have issued out their Bulls to that effect and it is still preserved in a great part of Spain St. James had but very few Followers in Spain whereof some reckon up nine chosen Disciples which others say were sent into Spain by the Apostles St. Peter and St. Paul which Controversie being altogether impossible to be decided I think fitter to pass it by than to take up the Reader 's Attention with what is altogether uncertain CHAP. II. The Reigns of the Emperours Nero Galba Otho Vitellius Vespasian and Titus with an Account of the Colonies Free Towns and Courts of Judicature then in Spain CLaudius the Emperour was Poison'd by an Eunuch or as others have it by his Wife Agrippina to the intent her Son Domitius Nero might obtain the Empire which prov'd fatal to her Certain it is he dyed in the Year of Grace 55. Nero his Son-in-Law and Successor held the Empire 14 Years the first 5 he govern'd well as Trajan used to testify after that he sunk into all manner of Vice and Debauchery like a wild Beast that breaking loose from its Confinement bears down all before it To such a degree did his Cruelty rage that he kill'd his own Mother of whom he
their Actions belongs not to this History but in Conclusion Vitellius was slain at Rome in the ninth Month of his Reign and 57th Year of his Age. Vespasian leaving his Son Titus to Command in Asia came by the way of Alexandria into Italy and so to Rome in the Year of our Lord 72 and was receiv'd with the general applause and satisfaction of the Senate and People He govern'd the Empire ten Years with such prudence and Virtue that he seemed to want nothing but the knowledge of the Christian Faith Titus having subdu'd the Jews and destroy'd Hierusalem Triumph'd with his Father at Rome and having brought over with him a vast number of Captive Jews part of them were sent into Spain where they setled in the City Merida as their Writers affirms At his first coming to the Empire Vespasian granted to the Spaniards the priviledges of Latium or Italy the more to incline them to his Party they at that time favouring Vitellius Licinius Larius now governed Hispania Citerior as Pretor a Man given to Learning and great Friend to Pliny then Questor there for whose natural History and some other Works he offered a great sum of Money This Licinius is supposed to have built the Bridge of Segovia a Work so lofty and wonderful that the commonalty are perswaded it was built by the Devil Others Attribute the building of this Bridge to the Emperor Trajan but there are no sufficient grounds to assert either Opinion It is much more credible that the Town in Galicia now called Betanços formerly Flavium Brigancium the other now called Padron then Iria Flavia also the Town Municipium Flavium Axaritanum now Lora and other places of that name were built by the Family of Vespasian who were all called Flavij or else they took those names in Honour of the Emperor or one of his Sons The Emperor Vespasian lived to be 70 Years of Age and then dyed at Rome on the 24th of June in the Year of our Lord 80. He was as happy in his Death as his Life for that he left behind his Son Titus to succeed in the Empire who equal'd his Father in all his Virtues and far exceeded him in Affability Sweetness of Temper and Liberality to which he was so inclin'd he was used to say none ought to go from his Princes presence dissatisfyed and remembring one Night that he had bestowed no favour that day said to those about him My Friends we have lost a day These good qualities gained him the Affections of all Men so intirely that he was called the Ornament and delight of Mankind But Death cut him off very untimely for he was not above 42 Year of Age reigned only two Years two Months and twenty Days and deceased on the 13th of September in the Year of Christ 82. Nothing of note appears to have hap'ned during this time in Spain It was Governed by three Pretors in the three Provinces Tarraconensis Betica and Lusitania In Betica there were eight Roman Colonies and as many Municipiums which enjoyed less priviledges than the others and four Courts to determine Law suits that were held at Cadiz Sevil Ezija and Cordova In Lusitania were Five Colonies one Municipium which was Lisbon called by another name Felicitas Julia and three Courts at Merida Badajoz and Santaren then called Scalabis In Hispania Citerior or Tarraconensis there were Fourteen Colonies some say more Thirteen Municipiums and Seven Courts at Cartagena Tarragona Zaragoça Clunia now Corun̄a Astorga Lugo and Braga The Pretors now when the time of their Command was expired and they waited for one to succed them called themselves Legates or Lieutenants and not Propretors as was used before CHAP. III. The Reigns of the Emperors Domitian Nerva Trajan Adrian Antoninus Verus Marcus Aurelius and Commodus the Persecutions under them the building of the City Leon and rise of the Heresie of the Gnosticks THE virtues and good qualities of Titus were set off and received the greater Luster by the disorders and extravagancies of his Brother and Successor Domitian a Man so vicious he rather resembled the Neros than the Flavij His madness was such that he caused his Wife to be called Augusta which none of his predecessors had done and himself to be stiled Lord and God He persecuted the Christians banished St. John the Evangelist to the Island Pathmos killed Marcus Aelius Glabrio and Flavius Clemens who had both been Consuls and banished Flavia Domicilla Wife to the latter into the Island Ponza without regard to the Kindred he with had both of them This his cruelty to the Christians is thought to have shortned his Days his death being foretold by Flashes of Lightning that continually fell for the space of eight Months His Avarice made him the more odious for he seized upon the Estates of the Martyrs therefore some to please him accused Domicilla's Steward that he had concealed her Riches The Steward whose name was Stephanus having notice of it to avoid that danger ventured upon a greater for with some others he conspired to kill the Tyrant which he put in Execution within his own Palace on the eighth of September in the Year 97. He dyed at the Age of 45 having Reigned 15 Years and 5 Months his Death was pleasing to all Men except the Soldiers to whom he denyed nothing that they might stand firm to him In Spain he put out an Edict by which it was forbid to plant any more Vines About the same time Eugenius Disciple to Dionysius Areopagita sent by him to Preach in Spain and first Archbishop of Toledo shed his blood in defence of the Faith of Jesus Christ in France whither he went to visit his Master At this time three Famous Spanish Poets Flourished at Rome viz. M. Valerius Martialis born at Bilbilis now Calatayud Caius Canius at Cadiz and Decianus at Merida The Senate upon the Death of Domitian chose Caius Nerva Emperor He was a Person of great Authority but very Ancient and therefore the more exposed to contempt which he being sensible of adopted M. Vlpius Trajanus a Spaniard born at Italica near Sevil a Man much in Esteem and of great parts and appointed him his Companion and Successor He repeal'd all the Decrees and Edicts made by Domitian whereupon many returned from bannishment and among the rest St. John the Evangelist from the Island Pathmos to his Church at Ephesus Nerva was Emperor only sixteen Months and then upon his Death M. Vlpius Trajanus his adopted Son undertook the Government in the Month of February and the Year of Grace 99. His great virtues were answerable to the hopes had been conceived of him His good natural parts being much Cultivated by the instructions of so good a Master as was the great Philosopher Plutarch Trajan built two Bridges of wonderful structure the one in Germany over the Danube the greatest River in Europe the other in that part of Spain we
Soldiers weary of the Tyrant killed him in his own Tent which delivered Rome from slavery and the Christians from the fear of the Persecution he had raised against them The Emperors Balbinus and Pupienus were killed by their own Guards within the first Year of their Reign Gordianus Grandson to the other of the same Name was before saluted Caesar and appointed their Successor and notwithstanding he was yet scarce 15 Years of age without any opposition declared Emperor After putting an end to the Persian War with the wish'd for Success he was basely murdered by Philip the Captain of his Guards in the 6th Year of his Reign The Empire was the Reward of Marcus Julius Philippus's Treason He was by Birth an Arab of mean Extraction but a good Soldier which raised him to several Commands and at last to the Empire in the Year 241. which he held above 5 Years He made a dishonourable Peace with the Persians The Goths at this time infesting the Province of Thrace one Marinus sent by him to oppose them took upon him the Title of Emperor but was vanquished and slain by Decius whom Philip had intrusted with an Army to suppress him This done the same Decius was saluted Emperor by his Legions and Philip marching to oppose him was killed in a Mutiny of his own Men at Verona As soon as Decius was possessed of the Empire which was in the Year 250. He Persecuted the Christians with the utmost cruelty He waged War with the Getae and overthrew them in the first Battle but in the second by the Treachery of Trebonianus Gallus was vanquished and killed together with his Son when he had Ruled the space of two Years This Traytor according to the Custom of those Times Usurped the Empire and held it 18 Months He made Peace with the Getae and agreed to pay them a sum of Money Yearly a thing very dishonourable to the Roman Empire whereby he became contemptible to his Soldiers and gave occasion to Aemilianus his own General an African of Mauritania Tingitana after having defeated those People in a great Battle to Revolt and Gallus being slain to seize upon the Empire His Power lasted but 4. Months his own Soldiers killing him as soon as they heard of the Election of Valerianus and therefore some do not reckon him in the number of the Emperors CHAP. V. The Reigns of the Emperors Valerianus Galienus Flavius Aurelianus Tacitus Florianus Probus Carus Carinus Dioclesian and Maximian Constantius and Galerius Maximinus and Licinius LIcinius Valerianus was 70 Years of Age when the Legions in Gallia saluted him Emperor in the Year of our Lord 254. Having Reigned 7 Years he was taken Prisoner in a Battle he fought with the Persians and liv'd above a Year in Slavery His Son Galienus thought of nothing less than relieving his Father and regaining the lost Honour of the Empire and indeed he was Distracted on all sides by the Persians Goths and Germans and by 30 Generals who in several places had taken upon them the Title of Emperors It would be endless to relate what each of them did it only makes for our purpose that one Tetricus possessed himself of Spain and had recourse to the Germans for Aid They passed thither thro' France and like a barbarous People for the space of 12 Years destroyed all that was in their way with Fire and Sword It appears by some Stones found in Spain that the Emperor Galienus's Wife was called Cornelia Salolina and Decius's Empress Herennia About this time Pope Lucius Governed the Church who in an Epistle to the Bishops of Spain and France exhorts them to hold frequent Synods determines the Power of Metropolitans oâ—er their Suffragan Bishops forbids Communication with Hereticks and encourages them to bear patiently with the lasting Calamities of the times Lucius's Successor was Stephanus in whose time the Bishops of Spain in a Council they held Degraded Martial Bishop of Merida and Basilides of Astorga as Libellatici so they called those that gave it under their Hands they Renounc'd the Christian Religion for those who proceeded so far as to offer Sacrifice to Idols were termed Sacrificati Basilides had recourse to Rome as to the Head was absolved by Pope Stephen and ordered to be restored to his Church and Dignity The Bishops of Spain offended at it consulted with St. Cyprian Bishop of Carthage who taking the Advice of others answer'd That those who forsake the Church could not be restor'd to the Honours they before enjoy'd in the Church that upon doing Pennance suitable to the Crime they might be again received into the number of the Faithful but not Replaced in the Sacerdotal Dignity as had been Determined by Pope Cornelius and that if Pope Stephen had ordered otherwise he had been imposed upon as being so far off Therefore Pope Sixtus II. successor to Stephen in his Epistle to the Bishops of Spain tells them the Decrees of the Fathers are not to be altered nor Bishops depos'd without acquainting him of Rome How this Difference ended is not known but certain it is all these three Popes suffered Martyrdom under Valerianus as did St. Laurence the Honour of Spain born at Huesca and also Orencius and Pacientia both accounted Saints The Emperor Galienus Besieging Milan his Soldiers weary of the War Mutinied and Killed him in the Year of Grace 269. when he had Governed 15 Years The Empire being thus without a Head Flavius Claudius a Noble Man and great General took upon him the Title of Emperor in the Year following The beginning of his Reign was fortunate for he killed the Tyrant Aureolus overcame the Goths and Germans but as he was preparing to march either against Tetricus in Spain or Queen Zenobia in the East Death cut him off at Sirmo a City of Hungary when he had Reigned one Year ten Months and fifteen Days His Death being known the Senate in his place chose Quintilianus his Brother a Man of so poor a Spirit that he killed himself 17 Days after his Election upon the News that Claudius's Legions had saluted Lucius Domitius Aurelianus Emperor This might have been counted among the best of Princes had he not defac'd the Lustre of his Martial Exploits with Moroseness and the hatred he bore to Christianity He Subdued Dacia Vanquished all the Tyrants that had possessed themselves of several Provinces took Queen Zenobia Prisoner and led her into Rome in Triumph which was the last Celebrated in that City after the Ancient manner Returning into the East to make War upon the Persians he was Treacherously Murdered by his Favourite Mnestheus when he had Reigned 4 Years 11 Months and 7 Days In his Days Narcissus and Felix suffered Martydom at Girona on the Borders of Spain After the Death of Aurelianus a new and unusual Contention in point of Civility hap'ned betwixt the Senate and Army each referring the choice of an Emperor to the other Six
Months were spent in agreeing the point at length the Senate overcome by the modesty of the Army named Claudius Tacitus a Man of great Ability but 68 Years of Age. So his Command prov'd but short lived for he Governed only 6 Months and 20 Days and dy'd at Tharsus in Cilicia Florianus his Brother who was there present caused himself to be Proclaimed Emperor but repenting ordered his Veins to be open'd 3 Months after and bled to Death The reason was he thought he had not Force enough to withstand the Legions of the East which had nam'd M. Aurelius Probus Emperor He tho' by Birth a Sclavonian was a Person so well versed in Civil as well as Martial Affairs and of such known Vertue that had not the Name Probus belong'd to him by his Family he had deserv'd it for his good Life and Behaviour His Reign lasted but 5 Years and 4 Months at the end of which he was killed by his own Soldiers who in his place chose M. Aurelius Carus in the Year of Grace 282. And he Named his two Sons Carinus and Numerianus his Companions in the Empire Carus was killed by a Thunder-bolt or flash of Lightning near the River Tigris in the second Year of his Reign and Numerianus murdered in a Litter in which he was carried because of his sore Eyes by his Father-in-law Aper in hopes of making himself Emperor Hereupon the Army chose Dioclesian who overthrew and killed Carinus that pretended to the whole Empire by Right of Succession At this time a Prefect called M. Aurelius Governed Hispania citerior as appears by certain Inscriptions upon Stones still preserv'd in Spain by which it also appears that the Emperors besides all their other Titles used the Name of Proconsul as may be seen upon a Stone preserved to this Day in the Market-place of Monviedro Dioclesian was a Native of Sclavonia Descended from Slaves and nevertheless was made Emperor of Rome in the Year of Christ 284. He was not inferior to the greatest Princes for Warlike Exploits but blemished all the Actions of his Life with an insatiable thirst of Christian blood In the second Year of his Reign he declared Maximianus Herculeus his Companion in the Empire and soon after gave the Title of Caesars to Galerius Maximinus and Constantius Clorus Galerius was married to Valeria Dioclesian's Daughter Constantius by his cammand was Devorced from Helena the Daughter of a King of Britain and Mother of Constantine the Great and Married to Theodora the Daughter-in-law of Maximian During the whole Reign of these two Emperors the Persecution against the Christians was so violent and bloody as it never had been before or was after in any part of the World Many suffered in Spain but especially after the coming of the President Dacianus no corner of it was free from the Blood of Martyrs Dioclesian grown weary of the Govenment and despairing of ever being able utterly to Extirpate the Christian Religion as he had designed renounced the Empire at Milan after he had held it 20 Years and retired to a private Life Maximian by his perswasion did the same at Nicomedia an example rarely to be seen By this means Constantius and Galerius were left absolute in the Year of Christ 304. Constantius for his part chose France Spain and Britain He was a Prince of that Moderation that the Service of his Table was Earthen Ware a great Friend to the Christians as appeared upon several occasions The other Provinces of the Empire fell to Galerius who the more to strengthen himself declared his two Nephews Severus and Maximinus Caesars To Maximinus he gave charge of the East to Severus of Italy and Africk he himself took care of Sclavonia and Greece Death put an end to the Actions of Constantius for he dy'd at York in the Year 306. having Reigned only 1 Year 10 Months and 8 Days About this time lived Prudentius Bishop of Tarraçona Born at Arnencia a Town in Biscay formerly an Episcopal See now only a scattered Village since the Collegiate Church was removed from thence to Vitoria by the Bull of Pope Alexander VI. In these Days also flourished Rufus Festus the famous Writer of the Roman History and a noted Poet. The Year after Constantius dy'd Maxentius Son to Maximian possessed himself of Rome and assumed the Title of Emperor Severus marched against him but was Defeated and Slain by the Tyrant Maximian hearing hereof repaired to Rome either to be assisting to his Son or in hopes to recover the Empire Ambition observes no respect of Persons his Son turn'd him out of Rome and he fled to the Protection of Constantine then residing in France who understanding that Maximian without regard to their Kindred or the Rites of Hospitality contrived his Death ordered him to be killed at Marseilles where he then was Galerius having constituted Licinius Caesar in stead of Severus marched himself into Italy to suppress the Tyrant but fearing his Army would Mutiny returned into Sclavonia without effecting any thing There he began to vent his Rage upon the Christians but Death put an end to his Designs for he dy'd of an Imposthume in the Groin 5 Years after he was raised to the Empire At that time Melchiades was Pope who in an Epistle to Marinus Leontius Benedictus and the other Bishops of Spain aduises them to take warning from the shortness of Humane Life to Govern their Flocks with Moderation That among the Apostles tho' equal in the Vocation there-was a difference in the Power which St. Peter had above the rest He also treats of the Sacrament of Confirmation This Epistle is dated in the Consulship of Rubrius and Volusianus which is in the Year of our Lord 314. CHAP. VI. The Reign of the Glorious Constantine the Great the first Christian Emperor The Arian Heresie And first General Council of Nice THE Romans weary of the Tyranny of Maxentius and reposing no confidence in the Caesars Maximinus and Licinius sent for Aid to Constantine then residing in France He readily condescended to their request and marched with his Army to Milan where to secure Licinius he gave him in Marriage his Sister Constantia That done he advanc'd towards the Tyrant Being near Rome his Thoughts fully bent upon the business in hand in a bright Sunshine day he saw the sign of the Cross in the Sky with this Inscription In hoc signo Vinces Highly encourouraged by this Miracle he ordered that the Imperial Standard call'd Labarum should be made in the figure of a Cross in the manner as represented in the Margent Hence some are of Opinion sprang the Custom in Spain of wâ—â—ting the Name of Christ with X. P. which was the form of the Labarum This is proved by a Stone found at Oreto near Almago of the time of the Emperor Valentinian II. where it appears the Name of Christ was then writ in that manner Constantine advanc'd and in Vertue
Walls They likewise mention Metropolitans before called Bishops of the first Chair To return to Constantine he Rebuilt the City Bizantium destroyed by the Emperor Severus and removed the Imperial Court thither calling it of his own Name Constantinople He instituted four Praefecti Pretorii two to command in the East and two in the West one of these over Italy the other over France and Spain the Residence of the latter was in France and under him a Vicar Governed Spain Constantine having settled all things to his mind dy'd in the Year of our Lord 337. having Reigned 30 Years 9 Months and 27 Day His putting to Death his Son Crispus and Wife Fausta gave occasion to some to slander this great Monarch and many other Calumnies have been raised to deface the memory of his glorious Actions But many Learned Pens have writ of him in particular and it belongs not to us to enlarge upon this Subject CHAP. VII The Reigns of the Emperors Constantine Constantius and Constans Julian the Apostate Jovianus Valentinian and Valens COnstantine left three Sons by his second Wife to wit Constantine Constantius and Constans all three at several times during his Life named Caesars and at his Death he divided the Empire among them in this manner To Constantine the eldest he assigned the West beyond the Aples to Constantius the second Son the East and to Constans the youngest Italy Africk and Sclavonia The same he confirmed by his last Will and Testament and ordered moreover that Dalmatius Cousin-germain to the Emperors should have the Title of Caesar in the East Him Constantius caused tobe killed in a Mutiny of the Soldiers in the first year of his Reign Constantine the Eldest of the three Brothers the third year after the Death of his Father was Treacherously slain near Aquileia having marched so far in order to deprive his Brother Constans of the Empire upon pretence it all belonged to him and that he had been wronged in the distribution of the Provinces Some have writ that Constantine was an Arian but the contrary appears in that through his means his Brother Constantius recalled St. Athanasius from banishment The Emperor Constans was a great support to the Catholicks and they soon found a great miss of him for he ended his days on the way to Spain at the City Erna in the county of Roussillon He was killed by Magnentius who was in Rebellion and possessed of France and Spain Constantius resolving to revenge the Death of his Brother before he set out named Gallus his Cousin Caesar Both Armies met near the City Murcia in Sclavonia where they came to a battle which proved very bloody for of the usurpers side 24000 Men were killed and 30000 of Constantius yet he got the day but the forces of the Empire where much weakned by so great a slaughter The Tyrant after the Fight fled to Lions in France there he and his Brother Decentius by him appointed Caesar despairing of making head again killed themselves By this Victory all the Provinces of the Empire were again brought under one Monarch Nevertheless the Germans broke into France doing great harm there The Emperor besides his other faults was jealous of all Men and gave ear to Court-Whisperers the Plague of all Courts whereby he had been prevailed upon some time before in the East to kill his Cousin Gallus Notwithstanding that he might at once oppose the Persians and quiet France he took Gallus his own Brother Julian out of a Monastery and declared him Caesar and to bind him the faster to his interest marryed him to his Sister Helen Julian was sent into France whilst the Emperor prepared for the War against the Persians At this time St. Athanasius for fear of being kill'd absented himself again and lay hid till the death of Constantius which hap'ned in this manner The event of the Persian War was unfortunate and met with several disasters at which the Emperor was highly concerned At the same time the Soldiers in France pleased with the conduct of Julian saluted him Emperor at Paris This was a fresh cause of grief to Constantius who resolved to march against him but was prevented by death which overtook him at Antioch There he was baptized after the manner of the Arians either that he had deferred it till then or that he was rebaptiz'd at they also used His death hap'ned on the 3d of November 361. In Spain about the same time certain Pages bringing Lights at night came in saying Let us Conquer Let us Conquer whence it may be supposed the Custom of saluting one another when lights are brought in had its Original among us A certain Roman that was present imagining this word had carryed some farther meaning drew his Sword and kill'd the Master of the House with all his Family This Ammianus Marcellinus relates without any other Circumstance About this time also Flourished Clemens Prudentius a Soldier and Lawyer in his Youth in his riper years a Poet famous for the verses he writ in praise of the Holy Martyrs Also Juvencus a Spanish Priest writ the like of Christ in Heroick verse and Pacianus Bishop of Barcelona employed his Talent in writning against the Novatians The Emperor Constantius left never a Son and therefore appointed him he would have Persecuted whilst living his Successor at his death that is his Cousin Julian a Man of Learning and good natural endowments that might have been compared to the best of Emperors had he still adhered to the true Religion and not suffered himself to be perverted by his Master Libahus so as to forsake Christianity by which he got the name of Apostate As soon as possest of the Empire to gain the good will of all Men he gave full Liberty to every one to follow the Religion they pleased He revoked the Sentence of banishment that had passed against Catholicks excepting Athanasius whom because after the death of Constantius he returned to his Church he ordered to be apprehended and so forced him again to abscond To the Jews he gave Liberty to rebuild the Temple of Jerusalem but such Flames issued out of the foundations they were oblig'd to desist The Gentiles were permitted to open their Temples shut up since the time of Constantine His hatred to the Christians was great yet he thought better to weaken them by Policy than open force and therefore forbid their being admitted to any places of honour or trust or their Childrens to be taught in the Greek Schools which stirred up many Christians to write Learnedly in Verse and Prose particularly the two Apollinarii Father and Son Persons of great Learning This Emperors end was suitable to his beginning He undertook the War against the Persians was at first successful but thereupon advanced so far that all his Army was in danger of perishing and he himself slain with a Dart as some say accidentally thrown by his own Men or
Foreign Enemies remov'd there hap'ned no War at least none of note The good Government of the King and Authority of the Bishops kept the Subjects from offering at any Revolt Chintila dy'd in the Year of our Lord 639. when he had Reign'd three Years eight Months and nine Days CHAP. IV. The Reigns of the Kings Tulga Chindasuinthus and Recesuinthus Several Synods of Toledo Increase of the Mahometan Power The Election and Coronation of King Wamba INstead of Chintila by the unanimous consent of the Nobility was chosen Tulga young in Years but old in Virtue particularly Justice Zeal for Religion Prudence Military Experience and Bounty towards the Needy a quality most requisite in Kings who ought to think they were intrusted with the Treasures of Kingdoms to relieve the wants of such as are in distress His Perfections seem'd still to be in their increase when Death cut him off at Toledo in the Year 641. when he had Reign'd only two Years and four Months Sigibertus Gemblacensis says Tulga was a debauch'd Youth and on that score Deposed by his own People but it is more reasonable to believe St. Ildefonsus who writes as an Eye Witness than a Stranger that either writ maliciously or was imposed upon After the Death of Tulga Flavius Chindasuinthus who being General of the Army was before in Rebellion against the King with the assistance of the Soldiery mounted the Throne none of the Nobility daring to oppose him that had all the standing Forces of the Kingdom on his side It must be granted that tho' he Usurp'd the Crown Tyrannically yet afterwards he Governed with great Moderation as if he design'd that way to make good his bad Title to it The first thing he did was to settle the Common-wealth by Establishing wholsome Laws and Ordinances for the better Administration of Justice and the publick Good In the 6th Year of his Reign he called together to Toledo all the Bishops in his Kingdom whereof 30 met on the 28th of October and this is counted the 7th Council of Toledo Before this time the King had Banish'd Theodiselus Archbishop of Sevil for that he sow'd scandalous Doctrines and to gain himself the greater Authority had corrupted the Works of his Predecessor St. Isidorus Theodiselus went over into Africk and there turn'd Mahometan so blind is Man when once he strays from the right way Those Authors that write in favour of the See of Toledo and particularly the Archbishop D. Rodrigo will have it that upon this occasion King Chindasuinthus made Toledo the Metropolitan See of all Spain whereas before Sevil had enjoy'd that preheminence but they have not the Testimony of any ancient Writers to confirm their Opinion and therefore we shall not lay much stress upon it About these times Theodorus and his Successor Martin I. Govern'd the Catholick Church Chindasuinthus being desirous to enrich Spain with good Books and Learning sent Tajus Bishop of Zaragoça to Rome to obtain of Theodorus then Pope St. Gregory's Books upon Job which are full of Allegories and excellent Morality and to bring them into Spain The King thought those Books would be useful to Propagate and Confirm the Catholick Religion and be a great Addition to the Ecclesiastical Library as believing now he had Peace on all sides nothing could add more to the Glory of his Kingdom than the increase of Religion and Learning Tajus having delivered his Embassy the Pope was very willing to oblige the King But those Books thro' the Ignorance and Negligence of the times were so hid among other Papers that it was hard to find them Much time was spent in searching and the Bishop seeing little hope of Success had recourse to God and spent the Night in Prayer begging of God not to suffer the good Intentions of the King to be frustrated He fail'd not of Success for that Night God revealed or as he says in a Letter St. Gregory appear'd to him and discover'd where those Books were Now it was that Fructuosus began to be famous in Spain he being of the Royal Blood of the Goths left the World to go live in a Desart and in time at his own Expence near Coplutica at the Foot of the Mountain Irago in the place now call'd Vierço built a Monastery of Monks of the Invocation of the Martyrs Justus and Pastor The King was assisting to him in building of this Monastery and afterwards the number of Monks being too great not far off in a rough and uncouth place Founded another Dedicated to St. Peter Fructuosus Founded a third Convent in the Island of Cadiz and a fourth on the Continent nine Leagues from the Coast besides many others as well of Men as Women This was the Posture of Affairs in Spain in the latter Years of Chindasuinthus at which time he to secure the Succession of the Crown he had obtained by force in his Family chose his Son Flavius Recesuinthus his Companion in the Throne in the Year of our Lord 648. after he had Reigned alone 6 Years 8 Months and 20 Days It is true he lived three Years after but that time is allotted to the Reign of his Son because by reason of his great Age he left the whole charge of the Government to him Chindasuinthus dyed at Toledo according to some of Sickness but as others will have it was poisoned His Body and that of his Wife Riciberga were buryed in the Monastery of S. Romanus now called de Hormisda betwixt Toro and Tordesillas on the Banks of the River Duero founded by himself for his place of Burial as was accordingly performed In the Reign of Recesuinthus Eugenius the Third was Archbishop of Toledo a Person of great Learning as appears by many of his works still extant and by some reckoned among the Number of Saints In his time and by his procurement 52 Bishops met at Toledo which is counted the eighth Council held in that City This was rather a Parliament than Synod all the Nobility of the Kingdom being present at it and signing to all the Decrees which rather respected the Temporal than Spiritual Power Two Years after by the King's Order there met 16 Bishops who Celebrated the 9th Council and published 17 Acts upon several Articles The following Year 656. 20 Bishops met again in the same City and this is reckoned the tenth Council of Toledo The Acts of all these Councils as also the Lives of St. Isidorus and St. Ildefonsus whereof F. Mariana here Treats at large I thought would not be so acceptable to most Readers nor so pertinent in this as the Ecclesiastical History which I do not pretend to write and have therefore purposely omitted them In the Year 660 Twelve Bishops of Portugal held a Synod at Merida and published 23 Decrees most relating to the Celebration of Divine Service At the same time the power of the Mahometans grew formidable in Africk for Abdalla Duke of Moabia
Spain with 12000 Men and tho' some advis'd to join his Forces with Tarif in order to subdue what still remain'd he took the Councel of those wicked Christians who held their interest in more esteem than Conscience and promis'd to assist him in reducing such places as held out Count Julian either in hope of greater rewards or disgusted at Tarif repair'd to Muza From Algezira where these Infidels landed they march'd to Medina Sidonia which after a Siege of some days they took by Assault Next Carmona having made a good defence was entred by Stratagem some of Count Julian's Souldiers either feigning to Desart or being receiv'd as Merchants for in this Authors vary having possess'd themselves of one of the Gates Many of the Goths resorted to Sevil but upon the approach of the Enemy fled and the Moors gave liberty to the Jews to inhabit it mixt with their own People Beja in Portugal had the same Fortune but the People of Merida tho' much weakned before had the Courage to try their Fortune in the Field and being over-power'd having lost and killed many were forc'd to take the shelter of the Walls Muza taking a view of the City said It look'd as if People had been gather'd from all parts of the World to build it that he would be a happy Man that were Master of it Inflam'd with this desire he sought means to possess himself of that place Not far from the City was a Quarry in which he laid an Ambush that night Next day the Townsmen sallying were hemm'd in and only a few fought their way back the rest perish'd This made them cautious for the future and they resolv'd only to defend their Walls Muza seeing the Siege was like to be tedious apply'd all Engines then in use for battering the Walls which the Besieg'd us'd all diligence to oppose but they were few in number and spent with labour Whereupon they offer'd to treat but upon such high terms that Muza rejected them and the Commissioners believing him so old he could not outlive the Siege would abate nothing The Moor finding in what they grounded their Confidence black'd his grey Hairs and sending for them again they were so surpriz'd not understanding the reason of his sudden change that they immediately submitted to such Articles as he would allow At the same time the People of Beja and Ilipula surpriz'd Sevil and put to the Sword the Garrison the Moors had in that City yet this avail'd them little for soon after the Enemy came upon them and again brought them into subjection The manner of it was thus Abdalasis the Son of Muza who came over into Spain with him complain'd to his Father that he had not given him an opportunity of signalizing himself His Father finding he was in the right gave him the Command of a strong Body of Moors with whom he broke into the Country of Valencia had several Encounters with those People and took the Cities of Denia Alicant and Huerta upon Articles which were That he should not profane the Churches That the People might live peaceably in the Christian Religion and only pay certain Taxes agreed upon These things being perform'd in the Year 716. he return'd to Sevil slew those that had revolted then took Ilipula and it may be imagin'd destroy'd it for whereas it was then a populous City it is now only a small Town called Pen̄aflor situate betwixt Cordova and Sevil. From Merida Muza went away for Toledo Tarif for the more honour came out as far as Talavera to meet him They met with great demonstrations of Friendship and Affection but all counterfeit Tarif was fearful of being call'd to an account and Muza envious of what he had done Being come to Toledo Tarif his accounts were call'd for as well in regard to the charge of the War as to the treasure that had been taken He endeavour'd with submission and Friendly Offices to appease the Old Man At length being reconcil'd they set forwards together towards Zaragoça which City and many others too tedious to relate they took without any trouble they all Surrendring themselves Thus all Spain seem'd to be subdu'd the third Year after the first Army of Moors came over out of Africk True it is the farthest parts could not be brought under without much difficulty as being defended by high and almost inaccessible Mountains Vlit the Miramamolin understanding the success of his Arms and the differences that were betwixt his Generals Order'd them both to appear before him Muza being about to depart appointed his Son Abdalasis to govern in his absence having first oblig'd the Moors to swear they would be Obedient to him This done Muza and Tarif the two Famous Generals prepar'd to Imbark carrying with them all the Treasures the Goths in so many Years had heap'd up From this time forward the old Computation of Years used in Spain beginning at the Birth of Christ or the Julian Account was quite laid aside and that used by the Moors and called Hegira that is an Expedition was taken up which begins from the time that Mahomet first took upon him the Title of King at Damascus In what Year of our Lord this hap'ned Authors do not agree and this difference arises from that betwixt the Years of the Arabs and ours theirs being 11 Days and 6 Hours less than ours as consisting of only 354 Days In my Opinion the Account of the Arabs ought to commence in the Years of our Lord 722. on the 15th of July as appears by the Annals of Toledo composed above 300 Years ago Abdalasis for some time Governed the Province he had received of his Father with Prudence and Wisdom Great Multitudes resorted out of Africk to Plant and People that vast Country left almost waste by the late Wars They had Lands assigned them and Sevil was appointed to be the Metropolis of the new Empire in respect to its greatness strength and commodious Situation Egilona King Roderick's Queen was among the other Prisoners she was Young Beautiful and Comely The Governour caused her to be brought to his Presence and at first sight fell in love with her to such a degree that he took her to Wife without debarring her the Exercise of the Christian Religion He held her in great Esteem all his Life-time for besides her Beauty she was Discreet and in all his Affairs he was directed by her to that degree that by her persuasion he took upon him the State of a King and was Crowned In the Country of Antequera where it Borders upon Malaga there is a Mountain called Abdalasis perhaps it took the Name from this Prince Some also believe that Almaguera a Town belonging to the Knights of St. James had the Name of Magued the Moorish General who 't is said used to drink the Water of a Fountain hard by it and in the Arabick Alma is Water from which Word and Magued they suppose the Name
Voluntarily took up Arms for the love of their Country others for fear of the Enemies and even of their own People who threatned them if they forsook the common Cause The Asturians in general all appeared Pelayus calling together the Heads of them made a Speech exhorting and encouraging them to behave themselves Manfully and Repulse their cruel Enemy Whilst he spoke the Sighs of his Auditory were so loud they often interrupted him but being somewhat animated with his Words they all swore to stand by one another and expose themselves to all dangers in opposing of the Moors Then they consulted of choosing a Chief and by the unanimous Consent of all Pelayus was pitched upon and Proclaimed King of Spain in the Year 716. some to this Number add 2 Years Thus at the time that Impiety and Tyranny were predominant in Spain a new and lasting Kingdom was erected and a Standard was set up for Relief of the oppressed Natives The People of Galicia and Biscay who like those of Asturias in some measure preserved their Liberty were invited to joyn in this Enterprize The same was done underhand to the neighbouring Towns that were subject to the Moors Some People resorted to Pelayus but many despising the new King would not leave their Houses nor expose themselves to such eminent danger Pelayus understanding how necessary it is to settle a good Reputation at first wasted the Frontiers of the Moors destroying all that stood in his way He visited the Towns of Asturias encouraging the Fearful and commending the Resolute Besides he laid up Stores of all things necessary for his Defence with great Labour and Industry as knowing it would not be long before the Insidels would be upon him He was Active and Courageous his Age fit to endure hardship his Presence not gay but such as became a Soldier One of the most noted Commanders that came out of Africk with Tarif was Alcama who was in the nature of a Major General This Man understanding what passed in Asturias speedily repaired thither from Cordova with a good Army of Moors and Christians and carried along also D. Oppas the Bishop of Sevil hoping he might be instrumental in persuading Pelayus and his Party to desist from what they had undertaken At the News of Alcama's coming the Christians dismay'd and it was thought they would never sustain so much as the sight of the Enemy In this confusion nothing but the special Hand of God and the Valour and Prudence of Pelayus could have protected those People wholly for saken by themselves It were a madness to oppose a handful of unarmed heartless Men against a disciplin'd and furious Enemy Therefore Pelayus having dispersed most of his Men into the neighbouring Towns he with 1000 of the choicest betook himself to a large Cave on the Mountain Ausena now called the Cave of St. Mary de Cobadonga He laid in Provision for a long time and furnished Arms offensive and defensive either to make good his Ground if Attack'd or Sally out if occasion offered The Moors pursued him to the very mouth of the Cave and being desirous to prevent Bloodshed for they must expect in those narrow places to receive much damage resolved to try whether Persuasions and fair Promises could prevail to reduce those People D. Oppas took this Employment upon him and having obtained liberty to Speak with Pelayus used all his Rhetorick to bring him to an Accommodation but understanding by his Answer he and all his Men were resolved to die in defence of their Liberty the Event was remitted to the decision of the Sword The Insidels attack'd the mouth of the Cave powring in a Shower of Stones and Darts Here the Hand of God appeared in defence of the Christians for all the Weapons cast against them flew back upon the Moors with great slaughter of them At this Miracle the Insidels stood astonished and the Christians taking heart rusht out upon them the Fight was Disorderly but the Enemy amazed at what they had seen turned their Backs and fled 20000 were killed in the Battle and Pursuit the rest after halting upon the top of Mount Fusena fled to the Field Libanensis thro' which runs the River Deva There another Miracle was wrought which was that near a Farm called Causegadia part of a Mountain with all that were upon it fell into the River by which a great number of Barbarians perished For many Years after Bones and pieces of Armour were dug out of that place especially when the Floods wash away the Banks Few of all that Army escaped Alcama was killed in the Fight D. Oppas the Bishop being taken it is supposed was put to Death tho' Historians do not relate it for they make no farther mention of him Munuza not thinking himself safe in Gijon attempted to make his escape but was killed by the Country People near the Village Oralie This Battle was fought in the Year of our Lord 718. At the same time Muza in Africk was Impeached before the Miramaniolin by Tarif his Enemy and being called to account could not well clear himself whereupon a great Fine was laid upon him for grief of which Disgrace he soon after dy'd His Son Abdalasis having Governed Spain three Years became Odious as well to the Natives as his own People for that he ravished their Daughters and was therefore killed in a Mosque in the Year 719. Some say he was killed by procurement of his Wite Egilona on account that he was kinder to other Women than to her others say the cause of his Death was his Pride and his taking upon him the Regal Authority by her persuasion The chief of the Murderers was his Kinsman Ajub who took upon him and held the Government of Spain the space of 1 Month. D. Roderick the Archbishop says it was he that built Calatayud a noted Town a little beyond the Borders of Aragon Vlit dying his Brother Zuleyman succeeded him in the Empire of the Moors By him instead of Abdalasis the Government of Spain was given to Alabor a Man fierce and cruel no less to the Moors than Christians for he took their Goods from the Inhabitants of Cordova only to satiate his Avarice He proceeded against all the Moors that came first into Spain only upon pretence they had wrongfully taken to themselves all the Riches of the Country This is he that translated the Seat of the Moorish Empire in Spain from Sevil to Cordova and is said to have put to Death Count Julian and the Sons of Witiza imagining the Disaster that hap'ned in Asturias had been contrived by them A just Judgment of God that Traitors to their Country should be thus used by those they served and had called to their assistance CHAP. II. Pelayus his Power increases he takes several Towns His Death The short Reign and Death of Favila Several Moorish Governours in Spain Actions of the Infidels in France PElayus having obtained that glorious Victory
great compass with the Light-Horse and before he could be discovered fell upon the Enemy in the rear which put them all into Confusion This Fortunate Battle was fought in the Year of our Lord 734. one and twenty after the destruction of Spain Abdelmelich succeeded Abderhaman and Governed the Moors in Spain and its dependencies the space of four Years without being remarkable for any thing but his Cruelty and Avarice He had Orders to invade France but was forced to turn back after losing many Men in attempting to pass the Pyrenean Mountains At the same time which was in the Year of our Lord 737. Pelayus the first King of Spain after its Desolation being of a great Age and renowned for his Exploits departed this Life at Cangas His Body was Buryed in the Church of Saint Eulalia Velaniensis which he himself had founded in the Country of Cangas There also his Wife Queen Gaudiosa was interred His Son Favila by Consent of all the People succeeded him and Reigned two Years being more famed for his Unfortunate Death and dissolute Life than for any good Actions he performed For notwithstanding the mighty War he had in hand and that his Kingdom was still tottering as subsisting rather by the Confusion of the times than the strength of the Christians yet he apply'd himself not to the cares of the Government but was wholly devoted to his Pleasures neglecting the Publick good Particularly he was addicted to Hunting and at this Sport pursuing a Bear was killed by it inglorious both in his Life and Death His Body was interred in the Church of the Holy Cross built by himself in the Territory of Cangas in which formerly was to be seen the Tomb of his Wife Froleud About this time one Julian a Grecian and Deacon Learned in the Greek and Latin Tongues wrote the Antiquities of Spain and Actions of Pelayus at Toledo Vrban Bishop of Toledo Evancius Archdeacon of the same Church and Fredoarius Bishop of Guadix Men of singular Sanctity and Learning flourishing in those Days of darkness and ignorance John Archbishop of Sevil was their Contemporary he Translated the Bible into Arabick for the good of the Christians and Moors because Latin was then little used some Copies of that Translation are to be seen to this Day in Spain CHAP. III. The Reign of D. Alonso the Catholick His Conquests and Death Several Moorish Governours in Spain Affairs of the Mahometans both in Spain and Africk FAvila dying without Issue D. Alonso and Ormisinda his Wife as Pelayus had ordained in his Will were Proclaimed King and Queen with great Satisfaction of the People and to the great good of the Kingdom D. Alonso was equally qualified in the Arts of Peace and War of a wonderful Constancy in Adversity fortunate in all his Undertakings and so very Religious that on that account the Title of Catholick was given to him as had been before to King Recaredus by the Third Council of Toledo when renouncing the Heresie of Arius he was reconciled to the Church This Title was afterwards laid aside till Pope Alexander the sixth bestowed it on Ferdinand of Aragon King of Spain to be perpetuated in his Successors Spain at that time enjoyed the Fruits of Peace Africk and France were consumed with Civil Wars Charles Martel upon the Death of Eudo seized all his Dominions in France Eudo's three Sons Aznar Hunnoldus and Vayferus sought to maintain their right by Arms. Aznar in that part of Spain which lies near Navarre took from the Moors the City Jaca with many other Towns and Castles and became the Founder of the Kingdom of Aragon a name taken from the River Aragon which runs through that Country and together with the River Ega falls into Ebro Hunnoldus and Vayferus did great harm and spread their terror throughout France The Moors desiring Revenge for their late Overthrow and being invited by Maurice Earl of Marseilles and Hunnoldus and Vayferus renewed the War in France At this time Aucupa Governed Spain at his first coming he put Abdelmelich upon his Tryal and pretending he could not clear himself laid him in Prison Aucupa was of Noble Extraction and so Zealous in his Superstition that he punished no Crimes so severely as those that related to it Having agreed with Maurice Earl of Marseilles and the Sons of Eudo with their assistance and his own Forces he pierced so far into France as to take Avignon a noble City upon the River Rhosne burning and pillaging all the Country about All this hap'ned five Years after the famous Battle of Tours that is in the Year 739. which was the first of the Reign of D. Alonso But the Valour of Martel relieved France for he drove the Enemy over the Pyrenean Hills and took Avignon and Narbonne so that nothing was left either the Goths or Moors in all France In Africk the War continued more obstinate for Belgius Abenbexius a famous Commander among the Moors Rebelled against the Emperor Ischam Several Battles were fought for the most part with Success to the Rebels whereupon Belgius resolved to pass over into Spain Abdelmelich was then again possessed of the Government for Aucupa dying ordered he should be taken out of Prison and restored to his Command This was his Ruin for Abderhaman sent before by Belgius with a great Army took him in Cordova and put him to Death with all manner of Torments in the Year of our Lord 743. The same Year dy'd the Emperor Ischam and Alulit the Son of Izit succeeded in the Empire as had been agreed We must not run too far into the Affairs of Africk Alulit at his Accession to the Crown sent Albuelcatar a Noble and Wise Man to Govern Spain who by his good Management and sending the Mutinous to the War in Africk appeased the Tumults in Spain Soon after he was killed by the contrivance of Zimael and Roba Zimael's Companion and the head Conspirator took upon him the Government and Usurp'd the Crown of Spain without any opposition for the Emperor Alulit dy'd in the second Year of his Reign which was of our Lord 744. Ibrahim his Brother succeeded him and was no longer liv'd nor fortunate for Matoan tho' his Kinsman and of the most Noble Family of the Humeyas killed him in his Palace the second Year of his Reign and made himself absolute Lord of all In this Emperor's time Roba being killed in a Battle Toba Governed Spain and he also dying within a Year Juseph a Man of great Parts was sent out of Africk to succeed both Tho' of a great Age he was much addicted to Women but made some amends for this Fault by his great Valour and the fame of his Exploits Whilst he Governed Spain Abdalla of the Noble Family of the Alavecines killed Matoan in Africk in the Year 750 Usurp'd the Crown and the better to secure himself destroyed most of the Family of the Humeyas
Favour seizes upon a Town call'd St. Christina two Leagues from Lugo King Alonso was immediately upon him and coming to a Battle slew him and 50000 of his Men. In the mean while dy'd Alhaca King of Cordova in the Year of our Lord 821 of the Arabs 206 of his Reign 27. He left 19 Sons and 21 Daughters His Son Abderhaman succeeded him being 41 Years of Age and Reigned 31. About this time says Zonaras the Moors of Spain pass'd into Candia and Planted there Much is now spoke of the Prowess of Bernard del Carpio and his Rebellion but these are things more like Romance than History and therefore I pass them by The King being very old and upon his Death-bed appointed D Ramiro the Son of D. Bermudo to succeed him and dy'd Aged 85. years having Reign'd 52 Years five Months and thirteen Days and in the Year of our Lord 843. according to the Chronicle of King Alonso the Great and the most ancient Records He deceas'd at Oviedo and was Buried in the Church of St. Mary in that City The Reign of King Ramiro as to time was short but glorious and full of honourable Exploits For to him under God is due the honour of restoring the Spanish Monarchy to its former lustre His Government in all respects was excellent but above all in Martial Exploits Wizards and Conjurers he caus'd to be burnt and Robbers that then were in great numbers to have their Eyes put out At the time of King Alonso his Death D. Ramiro was among the Varduli a part of Old Castile or Biscay His absence gave an opportunity to Count Nepotianus to possess himself of Asturias and assume the Title of King All mutinous and turbulent Persons follow'd him and he rais'd a considerable Army King Ramiro was not idle but met him with an equal force the Battle was fought in Galicia near the River Narceya where Nepotianus being forsaken by his Army was forc'd to fly but in the flight taken by two of his own Chief Officers called Somna and Scipio and deliver'd up to the King After these civil dissentions ensu'd the War with the Moors at first terrible but in the conclusion most fortunate to the Christians Abderhaman was King of the Moors a Prince fierce by nature and haughty with his continual success for he had not only expell'd his Uncle Abdalla who endeavour'd to recover the Kingdom but had taken the City Barcelona This done he resolv'd upon the War against King Ramiro and upon this account sent to demand of him the Tribute of 100 young Maids Mauregatus had formerly consented to pay His Embassadors were dismissed with scorn and protected only by the Law of Nations from suffering for their presumption Next all that were of Age in the Kingdom except some few left to till the ground for fear of a Famine were listed the very Bishops and Persons Consecrated to God follow'd the Christian Camp To gain a reputation and be thought the Aggressors they broke into the Territory of Rioja then possess'd by the Moors Abderhaman on the other side having made mighty preparations of all things necessary advanc'd towards the Christians The two Armies met near Alvelda or Albayda a Town then of strength now almost unpeopled but famous once for a Monastery built there by Sancho King of Navarre of the Invocation of S. Martin the Revenue and Library whereof was afterwards translated to the Church of St. Mary the Round in the City Logron̄o two Leagues distant from Alvelda In that place the Battle was fought and prov'd one of the bloodyest of that Age. Our Army being compos'd of Men gather'd in hast was no way to compare to the Enemy for Discipline All must have been lost had not the Commanders still appear'd where the danger call'd encouraging the Men not only with words but their Example Night put an end to the Battle The smallest Accidents in War often prove of the greatest Consequence so now the approach of the Night saved the Christians from utter Destruction The King retired to a rising ground that was near with his broken Forces fortified himself the best the time would permit and caused the wounded to be taken care of whilst all the Army almost despairing of their safety offered their Vows and Tears to Heaven Sorrow and Care so oppressed King Ramiro his Thoughts that he fell into a slumber in which he thought he saw the Apostle St. James bidding him be of good Heart and assuring him of the Victory This vision or dream so revived him that he started up and calling into his Presence all the Prelates and Chief Men of the Army related at large what he had seen and exhorted them to put their Confidence in God and not doubt of the Victory This done he Ordered his Battle and gave the Signal to fall on Our Men Encouraged with what they had heard attack the Enemy furiously calling upon S. James whence sprang the Custom to this Day in use among Spaniards of invoking that Saint when they Charge The Infidels surprized at the boldness of our Men whom they thought vanquished and struck with terror from Heaven could not bear the brunt of that Charge but fled and were so sharply pursued that 60000 of them were killed It was said the Apostle St. James was seen in the heat of the Fight leading our Men upon a White Horse in his hand a White Banner with a Red Cross in the middle After this Victory the Christians regained many Towns among them Clavijo from which this Battle took Name Alvelda and Calahorra This Memorable Battle was fought in the Year 844. being the second of the Reign of King Ramiro Having returned Thanks to Almightly God the Victorious Army by vow obliged all Spain tho' the greatest part was subject then to the Moors to pay for ever yearly a certain Measure of Wine or Corn for every Akre of Land as also that whensoever any Booty was divided St. James should have his share as a Horse Man Of the spoils taken this War the King caused a Stately Church to be Built in honour of our Blessed Lady which is to be seen to this day half a League from Oviedo on the side of Mount Naurancius and near it was Built another Dedicated to St. Michael The Queen whom some call Vrraca others Paterna Mother to D. Ordon̄o and D. Garcia furnished those Churches with all things necessary for she used to spare all that was possible of her own Expence and lay it out upon Churches especially that of the Apostle St. James The joy and advantage of this great Victory was not lasting or considerable as might have been expected by reason of another War that ensued Our Nation had scarce began to shake off the Yoke laid upon them by the Moors who came from the South when it Laboured under another Plague sent from the North. Such were the Normans who drove by necessity or rather the desire
of doing mischief now ranged the Seas under the Command of their General Rollo At first they had wasted and destroyed all the Coasts of France till the Emperors Ludovicus Pius and Carolus Crassus gave them the Province of Neustria from them afterwards called Normandy to hold in Feof of them These same People gathering a vast Fleet in France now grew very Obnoxious to the Christians of Spain They over-ran and Pillaged all the Coast of Galicia till near Corun̄a King Ramirus overthrew and put to Flight all that had Landed of them Besides in a Sea Fight 70 of their Ships were either taken or sunk by ours Those that escaped turning Cape Finisterre came to the Mouth of the River Tagus and distressed Lisbon at that time in the hands of the Moors The Year following which was of our Lord 847. having gathered news Forces they laid Siege to Sevil plundered the Territories of Cadiz and Medina Sidonia taking great numbers of Men and Cattle and putting many Moors to the Sword In fine after spending much time in that Neighbourhood understanding that Abderhaman was fitting out a powerful Fleet against them they left Spain having gained much Honour and great Riches Now followed other Commotions among the Christians Count Alderedus and Piniolus two powerful Men one after another revolted but were soon defeated Alderedus had his Eyes put out Piniolus and Seven Sons he had were Executed by the King's Command in the 5th Year of his Reign Two Years after he dyed at Oviedo having Reigned 7. he and his Wife Paterna were buryed in St. Maries Church of that City where the King's Tomb is still to be seen with an Inscription to this effect Ramiro of happy memory dy'd on the first of February I desire all that shall Read this to pray for his rest D. Ordono Son to D. Ramiro the late King succeeded his Father in the Year of our Lord 850. CHAP. VII The Persecution raised by the Moors at Cordova The Reign of D. Ordonno over the Christians and Mahomet over the Moors A Mighty Persecution was now raised against the Christians and much Blood shed at Cordova When first the Moors over-ran Spain they allowed the Christians the free Exercise of their Religion whereupon in all Cities and especially at Cordova as the Metropolis there were Priests Nuns and Monks publickly in their Habits They had also their Churches and Monasteries and the People were called to Divine Service by Ringing of Bells as formerly without receiving the least Affront or Molestation All the restraint laid upon them was that they should not offer to Revile Mahomet nor enter into the Mosques By degrees the Moors began to lay new Taxes upon the Christians to revile them and by all means find out ways to Extirpate their Name This made the Christians uneasie so that first they complained then fell to railing and inveighing against the Moors and their Superstition Hereupon King Abderhaman many Christians siding with him in Condemning their Brethren as was done by a Synod of Bishops that met at Cordova put to Death during the space of 10 Years great numbers of Christians who are reckoned as Martyrs for that their greatest Crime was the Profession of the true Faith and their Perseverance in the same In the Year 852. dy'd King Abderhaman The Christians said It was a just Judgment of God for the Blood he had spilt and it was the more likely because he fell down and dy'd suddenly without speaking one word as he stood looking upon the Bodies of the Martyrs that hung rotting on Gibbets This hap'ned the beginning of the 32d Year of his Reign He left 44 Sons and 42 Daughters In his time the Streets of Cordova were Paved and Water brought to the City from the Mountains in Leaden Pipes By him it was first Established as Law that the Sons should inherit without any regard of the other Kindred which was not till then punctually observed In pursuance of this Law his Son Mahomet succeeded him and Reign'd 35 Years and an half In the first Year of his Reign he Banished all the Christians from Court and not so satisfied the second Year raged against their Lives which he continued to the end of the 10 Years above-mentioned After the Solemnity of the Interment of D. Ramiro the late King his Son D. Ordon̄o entered upon the Government He was Mild Affable and Modest which gain'd him the Affections of all Men but being very Zealous for Justice some ill-designing Men made of this Vertue a Bait to draw him into some Miscarriages Four Slaves belonging to the Church of Compostella accused their Bishop Athaulphus of a grievous Sin the History of Compostella says it was Sodomy Being sent for to Court to answer for himself he first said Mass and went to the King in his Pontifical Robes At which instead of being appeased the King was so incensed that he caused a wild Bull anger'd by the Dogs to be let lose at him The Bishop making the sign of the Cross the Bull came tamely and suffered him to lay hold of his Horns which dropt off into his Hands At this sight the King and Nobles were so astonished that they fell down at his Feet begging Pardon for the wrong they had done him which he most readily granted Some write he Excommunicated his Accusers and retired to Asturias where he led a most holy Life having resigned his Bishoprick The Horns hung for many Years on the roof of the Church of Oviedo as a Memorial of this Miracle This F. Mariana says Was at the beginning of the Reign of King Ordonno Others will have it to have hap'ned above 100 Years after in the time of King Bermudo II. It is hard to decide which is in the right as to point of Time for since they vary in that point it is no good Authority to oblige us to believe there ever was any such Passage In the second Year of this King's Reign one Muza of the Blood of the Goths but by Profession a Moor well skilled in Warlike Affairs stirred up against himself the Arms of both Christians and Infidels for he openly Rebelled against the King of Cordova and with incredible Celerity possessed himself of Toledo Zaragoça Huesca Valencia and Tudela Then he over-ran the Frontiers of France where he took two Generals that offered to oppose him This struck such a terror in that Country that the King of France Charles the Bald thought fit to gain his Friendship with Presents Proud with Success he turns his Force against King Ordon̄o with whom and the King of Cordova he called himself the third King of Spain Breaking into the Territory of Rioja he took Alvelda and Fortify'd it King Alonso's Chronicle says he built and called it Albayda D. Ordon̄o gathering his Forces left a part before that Town and with the rest marched towards the Enemy who he was informed lay upon Mount Latursus At the first sight the two Armies
Territories of Biscay and Castile but were by the Earls drove out again King Alonso waited for them at Sublancia which they understanding return'd home only destroying by the way the Famous Monastery of Sabagun Nevertheless Abuhalit sent underhand to treat of Peace and Dulcidius was sent by the King on the same score to Cordova about the end of the Year 883. In the mean while a great Fleet of Moors was gather'd at Sevil to destroy the Coast of Galicia the greatest part whereof perish'd by Storms A Truce was concluded with the Moors by Dulcidius for Six Years Presently after follow'd the Death of Mahomet in the Year 886. He left 30 Sons and 20 Daughters CHAP. IX The Death of King Alonso the Great The Reigns of D. Garcia and D. Ordonno the second of Oviedo and of Almundar Abdalla and Abderhaman of Cordova A Lmundar the Son of Mahomet succeeded his Father He was generous and mild and therefore at his Accession to the Crown abolish'd an imposition of the tenths the People of Cordova used to pay They forgetting his favour Mutiny'd and he being about to suppress them dy'd before he had Reign'd full two Years leaving behind him Six Sons and Seven Daughters Nevertheless Abdalla his Brother was chosen King by the Souldiers in the Year 888 and Reign'd 25 Years The beginning of his Reign was full of trouble by reason that Homar a turbulent Moor revolted and drew to his Party Lisbon Astapa Sevil and other Towns Yet this was soon over for Homar of his own accord submitted and was reconcil'd to the King This Ease in obtaining Pardon encourag'd him to rebel again and the Moors being divided into Factions betwixt the Families of the Humeyas and Alavecins there never wanted some to side with any turbulent Spirit Abdalla pursu'd Homar so close he was forc'd to fly to the Christians and there receiv'd Baptism tho' not with a good intention as afterwards appear'd The Biscainers under the Conduct of Zuria thought to be of the Blood Royal of Scotland and Son-in-law of Zenore before-mention'd revolted from King Alonso D. Ordon̄o sent by his Father to reduce them was overcome in Battle whereupon Zuria was declar'd Lord of Biscay This Battle was fought hear a place then call'd Padura but afterwards Ariogorriaga which in the Language of Biscay signifies Bloody Stone The natural strength of that Country hindred the King from taking Revenge besides his great Age which made him now study to govern in Peace building Churches Forts and Cities for the safety and conveniency of his Subjects At the beginning of his Reign he rebuilt Sublancia and Cea near Leon and the Castle Guazon on the Sea Coast betwixt Oviedo and Gijon Afterwards the Cities Porto Viseo Chaves Oca and Zamora To his Son D. Garcia he recommended the Building of Toro He took from the Moors Coimbra Simancas Duen̄as and all the Territory of Campos Besides he rebuilt the Monastery of Sahagun destroy'd by the Moors one of the greatest in all Spain His Revenues were too small for these mighty Expences he was therefore obliged to raise new Taxes at which the Subjects being disgusted the Queen persuaded her Son D. Garcia to lay hold of that opportunity and Rebel against his Father D. Alonso tho' Old and Decay'd presently repaired to Zamora took his Son and caused him to be confined in the Castle Guazon This did not put an end to the Troubles for Nun̄o Hernandez Earl of Castile a Powerful Man and Father-in-law to D. Garcia made War upon the King which lasted two Years at the end of which the Rebels prevailed and the King weary of trouble and coveting repose resigned the Crown to his Son D. Garcia and to his other Son D. Ordon̄o gave the Lordship of Galicia in the Year 910. The following Year D. Alonso after going in Pilgrimage to Santiago and making an Incursion into the Country of the Moors with the consent of his Son dy'd at Zamora His Body and that of his Queen were first Buried at Astorga and thence Translated to Oviedo At the same time dy'd at Cordova Abdalla King of the Moors aged 72 Years leaving 12 Sons and 13 Daughters Abderhaman the Grandson of Abdalla and Son of Mahomet succeeded his Grandfather a thing not usual for the Grandson to be preferred before the Sons of the Deceased At his accession to the Crown he was 23 Years of Age and enjoy'd it 50 Years To his Name was added the Title of Almanzor Ledin Alla that is Defender of the Law of God as also that of Miramamolin or Prince of those that believe Abderhaman may be counted among the greatest of the Moorish Kings He spent all his Life in reconciling the differences betwixt his People adminstred Justice impartially built a Castle near Cordova took Ceuta in Africk and Beautified many Cities of his Kingdom Power ill gotten for the most part is not lasting So D. Garcia enjoyed the Kingdom he took by Force from his Father only Three Years During that time he made War upon the Moors wasted their Country plundred their Towns overthrew and took Prisoner Ayola a Noble Moor that offered to oppose him yet through the neglect of his Keeper he made his escape near to a Town called Tremulo The King dy'd at Zamora in the Year 913. He left no Children whereupon D. Ordon̄o his Brother succeeded him and had been reckoned a good Prince had he not imbrued his Hands in the Blood of the Earls of Castile His Reign lasted 9 Years and a half At first to gain reputation and humble the Moors he broke into the Kingdom of Toledo and laid Siege to Talavera a pleasant and strong City An Army was sent by the King of Cordova to relieve the Place but it was defeated the Town taken plundred and burnt because it could not be maintained being encompassed on all sides with Garrisons of the Moors The Governour and many more were taken and the Christian Army returned home Victorious and loaded with spoils The King of Cordova fearing this beginning might be an Introduction to worse Consequences sent to desire Assistance of the King of Mauritania who sent him a considerable Body of Men under the Command of his General Almotaraf To these was joyned the Army of the Moors in Spain Commanded by Avolalpaz and thus they overran the Lands of the Christians as far as the River Duero Here the King met and gave them Battle near to the Town of Santistevan de Gormaz which was very Bloody and for a long time the event seemed dubious till the two Moorish Generals and a great number of their Men being killed the rest fled That the advantage of this Victory might be the greater they wasted all the Country of Lusitania as far as Guadiana but above all the Territories of Merida and Badajoz suffered This struck such a Terror into those People that they bought a Peace It happened in the
and banish'd and at last dy'd in Cordova At the same time Castile was divided with Civil Broils D. Vela Grandson to the other D. Vela who we said was Lord of Alava had great Power there and in the adjoining part of Castile and being a hot Youth took up Arms against the Earl Fernan Gonzalez The Earl lost no time but put him and his Allies to the rout pursuing them so close they were forc'd to take into the Country of the Moors which was the occasion of great troubles and Misfortunes Almanzor Alhagib either at the instigation of these Outlaws or to revenge the affront he had receiv'd rais'd a powerful Army and furiously invaded Castile The Earl marching to meet him by the way went to visit Pelagius the Hermit but finding he was dead and being troubled in mind the said Pelagius appear'd to him in his sleep assuring him of the Victory The two Armies ingag'd near Piedrabita and the dispute was hotter than ever it had been before tho' the multitude of Enemies was great and the Christian Army exceeded not 450 Horse and 15000 Foot It is said the Fight lasted three days only ceasing at Night upon the last day St. James the Apostle was seen at the head of the Christians and gained them the Victory A greater number of the Infidels was slain than in any other Battle our Forces pursuing them two days After this Victory Embassadors came from all the Cities of Castile and the neighbouring parts to Congratulate with the Earl Above all D. Sancho King of Leon sent a splendid Embassy enviting the Earl to be present at the Cortes or Parliament he designed to hold in Leon. This a little perplex'd him fearing some design was hid under that show of Friendship but having no lawful Excuse to absent himself he came on the day appointed accompanied with the Nobility The King went out to meet him and the Parliament was held in the Year 958. but what their Business was is not known Authors relate that the Earl sold the King a stately Horse and a Hawk for a great Sum upon condition if not paid at the time perfixed the price should be doubled every day after Besides by the policy of Da. Teresa the Queen Dowager who desired to revenge her Father's Death it was contriv'd that Da. Sancha her Sister should be Marry'd to the Earl she was then with her Brother D. Garcia King of Navarre and Da. Vrraca the Earl's first Wife was dead It was resolv'd to lay a snare against the Earl because down right force would not prevail and K. Sancho was unwilling to break his word openly therefore it was agreed to work underhand and make use of the perfidiousness of the Navarrois Garci Sanchez was ignorant of D. Sancho's designs and therefore to revenge past wrongs continually infested the Frontiers of Castile After the Earl had complained by his Embassdors they broke out into open War and came to a Battle in which the Earl obtained the Victory Our Historians write that Lope Diaz Lord of Biscay assisted the Earl upon this occasion and say he was Son to In̄igo Ezquerra great Grandson to Zuria formerly Lord of that Country After this Victory a Peace being concluded the Earl in pursuance to the Articles thereof went to Navarre with a good Retinue unarmed as to a Wedding however he was taken Prisoner by the King who was at the place appointed with armed Men. Hence he was delivered by the love of Da. Sancha for whose sake he fell into that misfortune and with her escaped to his own Country On the Frontiers of Castile about Rioja he was met by the Forces of Castile that had vow'd not to return till he were set at liberty Great was the Joy on both sides At Burgos the Nuptials were celebrated The King of Navarre deceived by his Sister prepared for War and the Earl not being backward they Engaged on the Frontiers of Castile and Navarre the King was overthrown and taken Prisoner in the Year 959. The same Year dy'd Abderhaman King of Cordova being of a great Age. Not long before his Death the King of Leon sent him a solemn Embassy desiring the Body of the Martyr Pelayus which was not granted by him but was soon after by his Son and Successor Alhaca who Reign'd 17 Years and 2 Months and being inclinable to Peace endeavoured to oblige all the neighbouring Kings D. Garcia King of Navarre was set at liberty after he had been 13 Months a Prisoner at Burgos the Tears of Da. Sancha and the Intreaties of other Princes having appeased the Earl Queen Teresa a Woman of a fierce and restless Spirit being so far disappointed in her design against the Earl laid other snares for him She persuaded her Son the King of Leon to call him to the Parliament He went tho' with a Jealousie the King came not out to meet him as before but when he came to kiss his Hand ordered him to be cast into Prison This was a great Affliction to the Earl's People Da. Sancha his Wife a Lady of a Masculine Temper and ready wit designing to rescue him feigned she would go in Pilgrimage to the Church of St. James the Apostle Her way was thro' the City Leon the King went out to meet and entertain her Friendly as became a Person of her Quality and his Aunt With much intreaty she obtained leave to visit her Husband and having stay'd all Night together he went out in the Morning in her Cloaths and got safe to his Country The King understanding the Fraud was somewhat concerned but thinking better of it sent her home Honourably to her Husband who over-joy'd at her coming would not make War upon the King but demanded what was due to him for the Horse and the Hawk he had sold him No Payment was made for the Sum by reason of the delay was greater than the King could pay and the Earl made waste upon the Lands of the Kingdom of Leon. Whereupon they agreed that in satisfaction for the Debt Castile for the future should owe no Subjection to the Crown of Leon. This Agreement they say was made in the Year of our Lord 965. The same Year a powerful Army of Moors breaking thro' the Kingdom laid Siege to the City Leon but by the Valour of the Garrlson and Townsmen were Repulsed with great loss Vast flames of Fire rising out of the Sea spread over the Country destroying many Towns even as far as Zamora which beside the present loss was look'd upon as an Omen of future Ills. D. Garci Sanchez King of Navarre dy'd the ensuing Year of 966 leaving by his Queen two Sons D. Sancho and D. Ramiro and three Daughters Da. Vrraca Da. Ermenesilda and Da. Teresa His Son D. Sancho inherited the Crown joyntly with his Brother D. Ramiro The latter Reign'd 10 Years and it is thought dy'd without Issue D. Sancho who as appears by his Grants Rul'd 27 Years Stiled
raged in his Army that few of them returned home to carry the News and be Witnesses of the Divine Vengeance This danger being over other new troubles hap'ned in Spain as great as any had been since it began to lift up its Head These were caused by the discord betwixt the King of Leon and the Earl D. Garcia who ought to have joyned their Power for the Publick good Mahomet governed the Kingdom of the Moors in the Name of Hissem the King his greatest Aim was to destroy the Christians D. Vela he that we said in the time of the Earl Fernan Gonzalez fled to the Moors now blew these Coals The Moors joyning their Forces with a Body of Christians that followed D. Vela entred the Territories of the Christians and passing the River Duero which for many Years had parted the two Nations incamped on the Banks of the River Astura or Estola that runs by Leon. King Bermudo tho' inferior to the Enemy gathering what Forces he could surprized them and entered their Camp where they Fought in disorder all in confusion Many of the Infidels were killed at the first on-set some gathering in small Bodies defended themselves other fled till the Moorish General getting together all he could drew them up without the Camp then charged the Christians who being but few in number and tired could not stand that shock In an instant the Fortune of the Day was changed the Victors were over-come and being closely pursued few of them got unhurt to Leon but many wounded The Town had been taken but that the Winter coming on obliged the Enemy to depart having gained much honour and plunder and resolving to return as soon as the Season would permit D. Bermudo because the City was weak caused the Bodies of the Saints and Kings to be translated to Oviedo and removed thither himself The care of fortifying and defending of Leon was committed to the Earl Guilien Gonzalez This disaster hap'ned in the Year 984. in which Miron Bishop of Girona Son to Miron Earl of Barcelona dyed In that Country a Body of Moors near the Castle of Moncada overthrew Borello Cousin to the Bishop Miron Above 500 Christians were slain the rest with the Earl Borello fled to Barcelona The following Year 985 was remarkable for destruction of the two Famous Cities Leon and Barcelona On the first of Day of July the Moors laid Siege to Bercelona and took it on the 6th day of the same Month many of the Citizens were carryed away into Slavery to Cordova but the City was soon recovered by the Christians Before it was taken Borcello got out to gather Forces to relieve it and having Mustered a good Body at Maresa and other Neighbouring Places regained the City The Earl Borello dyed eight Years after leaving by his two Wives Ledgardi and Aymcrudi two Sons Raymund and Armengauds the Eldest Earl of Barcelona the other of Vrgel and was head of the Noble Family of the Armengauds or Armengols in Catalonia of which in process of time there were many brave Commanders In the other part of Spain Mahomet proud with his last success gathering a powerful Army besieged Leon. The City held out almost a Year tho' continually battered with all sorts of Engines Earl Guillen Gonzalez made it appear of how great Consequence it is to have a brave Commander Being sick in Bed with the continual Fatigue of so many Months he was told the Town was in great danger by reason of a furious Assault that was then given he then caused himself to be carryed in a Chair to the place where the greatest danger was and so effectually encouraged his Soldiers that they made good their Ground for Three Days Then seeing the Town was entred he cast himself into the midst of the Infidels and dyed with his Sword in his hand The Barbarians inraged for the loss they had sustained put to the Sword all Sexes and Ages indifferently Men Women and Children and after plundering the City cast down the Walls and all other Works about it The same disaster befell Astorga Valencia del Campo the Monastery of Sahagun Gordon Alva Luna and other Towns and Villages which were taken plundered and burnt to the Ground Next breaking into Castile they took plundered and burnt Osma Berlanga and Atiença without meeting any Opposition Nevertheless such was the madness of the Christians that not regarding the publick Calamities they destroyed one another upon Private Feuds and Animosities For the Year following Seven most Noble Brothers called the Infantes de Lara were slain by the Treachery of their Unkle Ruy Velasquez without any regard of Consanguinity they being the Sons of his Sister Da. Sancha and by the Fathers side descended from D. James Porcellos Earl of Castile These 7 Brothers have been very famous no less for their Noble Actions than Unfortunate Death It fell out that Ruy Velasquez Lord of Barcelona Solemnizing his Marriage with Da. Lambra Cousin to the Earl Garci Fernandez at Burgos A great concourse of People was at the Wedding and among the rest the Earl Garci Fernandez and the seven Brothers with their Father A dispute arose betwixt Gonzalo the Youngest of the Brothers and Alvar Sanchez a Kinsman of Da Lambra yet so that no harm was then done yet Da. Lambra taking it upon herself to wreak her revenge in the Town of Barbadillo whither the Brothers out of respect went to accompany her she caused a Slave to throw a wet Cowcomber at Gonçalo which according to the Custom of Spain was a hainous affront The Slave fled for shelter to Da. Lambra but it availed him not for in her very Arms they killed him Ruy Velasquez who was then absent as soon as he came in a rage for the affront given his Wife studyed how to revenge himself upon the Seven Brothers He thought it best to ensnare those he design'd to destroy with the show of Friendship and therefore contrived that Gonzalo Gustio should be sent to Cordova upon pretence of receiving some Money of that King but in reality to have him destroyed to which effect he had writ a Letter in Arabick to the King who pitying the Noble Persons Grey-Hairs only caused him to be imprisoned His confinement was not so close but the King's Sister could come at him and on her 't is said he got Mudarra Gonzalez the Founder of the most Noble Family of Manriquez Ruy Velasquez his rage was not appeased with the harm done to Gonzalo Gustio Near to Almenara in the Territory of Arausana at the Foot of the Mountain Moncayo he laid the Seven Brothers in Ambush pretending to make an incursion into the Country of the Moors The Brothers suspected no harm but Nun̄o Salido their Tutor endeavoured to disswade them as fearing some Treachery yet his words were in vain With them were 200 Horse a small number for the Multitude of Moors that fell on him The Treason being discovered the Brothers fought
desperately not so much for any hopes of Victory as to revenge their own Deaths They were all killed and with them their Tutor Salido the Heads being sent to Cordova afforded a pleasant Spectacle to the King but a sad one to their Father to whom tho' wounded and disfigured they were shown This misfortune moving the King to Compassion he freely dismiss'd Gonzalo Gustio Mudarra begoten on the King's Sister being 14 Years of Age was by her sent to his Father and afterwards revenged the Death of his Brothers killing Ruy Velasquez Da. Lumbra his Wife the cause of all these mischiefs was stoned to Death and burnt Mudarra by revenging his Brothers gained the Love of his Mother-in-Law and all the Family to that degree that he inherited his Fathers Estate Besides Da. Sancha adopted him after this strange yet remarkable Manner The same day he was Baptized and Knighted by the Earl Garci Sanchez his Mother-in-Law resolving to adopt him put over him the Sleeve of a very large Smock and his Head coming out at the top of it she Kissed him and thus he was received into the Family and looked upon as her Son Ordon̄o was Son of Mudarra his Grandson was James Ordon̄ez de Lara he that fought the Sons of Arias Gonzala who defended their Country from the infamy of having killed King Sancho slain by Vellido Dolphos as shall be related in its place This James Ordon̄ez was Father to Earl Peter well known for the Love Queen Vrraca showed him and Grandfather to Amalaricus de Lara Lord of Molina from whom is descended the Family of Manriquez and even that of the Kings of Portugal by the Mother's side for Mafalda Daughter of Amalaricus was Marryed to D. Alonso the first of the name and first King of Portugal tho' some will have it that Mafalda was of the House of Savoy But more shall be said of this hereafter The Tomb of Mudarra is to be seen in the Cloister of the Monastery of S. Peter de Arlanza That Monastery and the other of S. Millan de la Cogulla are at Variance about which of them has the seven Brothers Spain was now at Peace after so many Combustions and there rather wanted the Power than the will to raise new ones This quiet lasted till the 7th Year after the Death of the seven Brothers which was the Year of our Lord 993. when the Moors wasted the Country of Portugal and breaking a new into Galicia again took and burnt the City Compostella Nor had they spared the Apostles Sepulcher but that a sudden Light which appeared over it terrifyed them The Bells as a Trophy of their Victory they caused to be carryed on the Backs of Christians to Cordova where for many Years they served instead of Lamps in the Mosque Divine Vengeance pursued them many dyed of the Flux many of the Plague and many at the hands of the Christians the King keeping close in their rear and doing them great harm Few returned home One of them was Mahomet the General This same Year dyed D. Garcia King of Navarre his Son Garci Sanchez called the Trembler as was said before succeeded him He Reigned 7 Years was very Famous for many Victories obtained Liberal or rather Prodigal which drained his Treasures and obliged him to lay new Taxes In the Monastery of S. Millan̄ there are Grants of this King let every one judge what credit is to be given to them In them 't is specified that he had a Brother called Gonzalo and that he with his Mother Vrraca had the Kingdom of Aragon which if true either that Dominion lasted not long or he dying without Issue it fell again to his Brother King Bermudo joyful with his success against the Moors began to consider that if the Forces of the Christians were united it were easie to gain upon the Infidels and keep them under Hereupon he sent Embassadors to the King of Navarre and Earl of Castile to invite them laying aside all Animosities to enter into a League with him for the common Good Those Princes readily agreed to such advantageous Proposals and a powerful Army was formed of the three Nations The King of Navarre came not in Person being as is supposed busie in setling his new acquired Kingdom King Bermudo tho' Sick of the Gout was carried in a Litter and with the Earl of Castile moved towards the Moors of whom they were informed that having raised new Forces and plunder'd great part of Galicia they now marched towards Castile Near a Town called Calacanaçor on the Frontiers of Castile and Leon the two Armies met and came to a Battle which was obstinately fought till Night parted them without discerning which side had the better only that the Moors marched away in silence by Night which show'd they had got the worst of it Besides it was more like a Flight than Retreat for they left much of their Baggage in the Camp and for haste droped no less along the way they marched It is said this misfortune went so much to the heart of the Moorish General Mahomet that he dy'd in the Valley of Begalcorax refusing to take any Sustenance in the Year of our Lord 998. This Man managed the Government of the Moors 25 Years for his King who minded nothing but his ease He was a Man of great Courage an Enemy to Idleness and entred the Territories of the Christians 52 several times coming off very often Victorious The same day the Battle was fought at Calacanaçor one in the Habit of a Fisherman was seen at Cordova on the Bank of the River Guadalquivir singing in Arabick and Spanish Metre At Calacanacor Almanzor lost the drum It was believ'd the Devil in Humane Shape proclaimed their Defeat because the People of Cordova endeavouring to lay hold of him he vanished like a Shadow The dead General 's Body was carried to Medinaçeli CHAP. VII The Death of King Bermudo the Gouty and beginning of the Reign of D. Alonso the Fifth King of Leon. Many Troubles among the Moors The Earl of Castile slain by the Infidels AFter the Death of Mahomet his Son Abdelmelic took upon him the Government of that Kingdom the same Year his Father dy'd and continued in that command 6 Years and 8 Months From this time forward the Kingdom of the Moors which had been supported by the Valour of Mahomet began visibly to decline Civil Discord the Bane of all Empires and bad Government were the cause of its decay Abdelmelic who was more inclinable to Peace than War took little notice of the first Eruptions of those Tumults which ought to have been suppressed in their first rise True it is immediately after his Father's Death he entred the Teritories of the Christians spreading a great Terror and threw down to the Ground all that had been built since the City Leon was last destroyed Yet the beginning of this War was more successful to the Moors than the end for
the Earl of Castile falling upon them put them to flight and but a small number returned home This struck so great a terror into those People that they never attempted to make War again as long as Abdelmelic Ruled The Joy of this Victory was drowned in the scarcity of Provisions caused by a great Drought Gudésteus Bishop of Oviedo had been kept three Years in Prison by the King who was subject to give ear to the whispers of wicked Men. The People and among them some of Note said the Famine was a Judgment of God for the wrong done the Bishop and that unless Reparation were made him there was cause to fear a heavy Plague might follow There was danger of a Mutiny for the Multitude when they take Religion for their Pretence sooner obey the Priest than the King therefore Gudesteus was discharged out of Prison This same Year of our Lord 999 in which hap'ned the Famine was remarkable for the death of King Bermudo who dy'd of the Gout with which he had been long troubled in a Town called Berit His Body was Interred at Villabuena or Valbuena whence 23 Years after it was translated to the Church of S. John Baptist in Leon. He had two Wives one called Velasquita the other Da. Elvira From the first he was Divorced rather thro' the Corruption of those times than for that it was Lawful By her he had a Daughter called Christina By Da. Elvira he had D. Alonso and Da. Teresa Besides on two Sisters he had to do with in his Youth he got D. Ordon̄o Da. Elvira and Da. Sancha Christina the King 's eldest Daughter was Married to D. Ordon̄o called the Blind who was of the Blood Royal they had Issue D. Alonso D. Ordon̄o D. Pelayo and Da. Aldonza Marry'd to D. Pelayo called the Deacon Grandson to King Fruela by D. Fruela his Bastard Son D. Pelayo and Da. Aldonça had Issue Peter Ordon̄o Pelayo Nun̄o and Teresa from whom descended the Earls of Carrion Men of great Wisdom and Valour as will appear in its place Pelayus Ovetensis and D. Lucas de Tuy attribute to King Bermudo that passage of Ataulphus Bishop of Compostella and the wild Bull that was let lose against him which was spoken of before In this particular I give more Credit to the History of Compostella which relates it as I have done and it is a sufficient proof of their mistaking the time that about this there is no Bishop of Compostella called Ataulphus to be heard of King Bermudo appointed Melendo Gonzalez Earl of Galicia and his Wife D a. Mayor to be Tutors to his Son D. Alonso the young King during his Minority These because D. Alonso was but 5 Years of Age by the consent of the Cortes or Assembly of States and in pursuance to the Will of the Deceased Governed the Kingdom with great Prudence and Integrity The King being of Age as a Reward of their Fidelity and to make their Authority the greater Married their Daughter Da. Elvira by whom he had D. Bermudo and Da. Sancha He Reign'd 29 Years In the second Year of his Reign which was of our Lord just 1000. D. Garci Sanchez the Trembler King of Navarre dying his Son D. Sancho whom he had by his Wife Da. Ximena not Elvira or Constantia or Estephania as some will have it succeeded in the Throne This Prince in his Youth was under the Care and Tuition of Sancho Abbot of S. Salvador de Leyte who bred him Vertuously and taught him all that is fit for a Prince to know He Reigned 34 Years was so remarkable for his Vertue that he gained the name of the Greater and so fortunate that he got under his Dominion almost all that the Christians possessed in Spain But it was no good advice to divide it as he did among his Children thereby weakning the Forces of the Kingdom As the two Christian Kingdoms about this time enjoy'd Peace so Castile first and then the Moors fell to War among themselves both of them by their Civil Broils hast'ning their ruin D. Sancho Garcia Rebelled against his Father the Earl D. Garci Fernandez perhaps thinking he lived too long and being impatient to wait the few Years he had to live Both sides had recourse to Arms and the Subjects being divided the strength of that Principality was weakned The Moors were not ignorant of these Distractions and therefore resolved to make their advantage of them Accordingly they destroyed Avila that had been Rebuilt not long before Corun̄a and Santistevan de Gormaz in the Territory of Osma suffered the same fate The Affairs of the Christians were in great danger and yet the foreign Danger did not appease their domestick Tumults only kept them from coming to Blows Earl Garci Fernandez being much concerned at the harm the Moors did with what Force he could gather went out to meet them The Fight was bloody but the Earl having but a small number of Men was defeated and himself taken so desperately wounded that he dy'd in a few days He Governed Castile about 38 Years some say 49. was nothing inferior to his Father and tho' the Enemy had power to take away his Life the fame of his Actions will last for ever His Body being Ransom'd for a great Sum of Money was bury'd in the Monastery of S. Peter de Carden̄a This unhappy Battle was fought in the Year 1006. The Earl left a Daughter called Da. Vrraca who was a Nun in the Monastery of S. Cosmus and Damianus in the Town of Covarravias This Monastery was built by the Earl her Father and endowed with great Revenues besides many rich Gifts upon condition that if any Maid of his Family would not Marry she should be maintained with the Revenue of that Monastery D. Sancho succeeded his Father in the Earldom of Castile much blemished for Rebelling against him and having thereby been the cause of his death In all other respects he was good and vertuous and had very commendable parts About the same time dy'd at Cordova the Alhagib or Viceroy Abdelmelic Abderhaman a base and cowardly Fellow in scorn called Sanciolo succeeded him But he dying within 5 Months Mohomet Almahudi who I suppose was of the Race of the Abenhumeyas by force of Arms possessed himself of King Hissem who being given wholly to his pleasure was only supported by others Mahomet gave out he had killed the King Beheading one like him and keeping him privately to make use of him if needful A Kinsman of Hissem's called Zulema came over out of Africk who gathering what Forces he could and joyning with those of D. Sancho Earl of Castile overthrew the Tyrant in Battle near Cordova In this Battle were slain 35000 Moors which was the very Flower and Strength of that Kingdom so that for the future they decayed the more sensibly D. Sancho gave great Tokens of his Courage and Conduct and was the principal
to lay hold of the opportunity his absence offered for enlarging his Dominions For the more security to his designs he entred into League with the Kings of Zaragoça Huesca and Tudela tho' Moors and joyn'd his Forces with theirs With them he broke into Navarre and laid Siege to Tafalla a Town of note It hap'ned D. Garcia at the same time returned from his Pilgrimage and gathering what Strength he could on a sudden fell upon his Brother with such fury that he forced him to fly out of Aragon without stopping till he came to Sobrarve His flight was with such precipitation that he was obliged to leap upon the next Horse that came to hand without Saddle or Bridle These were the beginnings of greater Troubles that ensued The Nobility of Leon were offended at Ferdinand King of Castile and stirred up their King D. Bermudo against him D. Bermudo himself was dissatisfied for that the other had Marry'd his Sister against his will and Conquered a considerable part of his Dominions as was said in the last Book There was a fair opportunity of taking revenge the Brothers being at variance and King Ferdinand's Force but very small Wherefore D. Bermudo gathers an Army and enters Castile D. Ferdinand called upon his Brother D. Garcia for Aid who came speedily to his relief Their Forces being joyn'd they advance towards their Enemy and Encamp'd in sight of him on the Banks of the River Carrion in the Valley of Tamaron near a Town called Lantada Both sides were eager to fight so there was no time lost but they presently came to a Battle which proved very bloody and great numbers were slain In the heat of the Action D. Bermudo resolutely broke into the midst of the Enemies designing to single out King Ferdinand but was wounded with a Spear whereof he fell down dead His Death put an end to the War for King Ferdinand after this Victory entred the Kingdom of Leon which then belonged to him of Right and easily possessed himself of it notwithstanding some opposition was made only in hatred to the Government of a Stranger But Courage without Strength is useless The City of Leon at first shut its Gates against the Conqueror but being wholly unprovided of all Necessaries to hold out a Siege soon surrendered The Citizens conducted the King with great Joy to the Church of S. Mary de Regla where he was Proclaimed and Crowned Servandus Bishop of Leon performed the Ceremony in the Year of Grace 1038. D. Ferdinand Reign'd in Leon 28 Years 6 Months and 12 Days and 12 Years more in Castile part before and part after the Death of his Father CHAP. II. Ferdinand of Castile and Leon the most powerful King of Spain Overthrows the Moors takes several Towns and ravages the Territories of the Infidels Ramiro King of Aragon Wars on his Brother of Navarre BY the addition of this new Kingdom D. Ferdinand became the most powerful King in Spain His Zeal for Religion and many Vertues which were no way inferior to his Power and Warlike Atchievements caused him to be called the Great and the Flattery of his People extended so far as to stile him Emperor Besides he was fortunate in a numerous Issue His first Child before he came to the Crown was D. Vrraca next D. Sancho who succeeded him then D. Elvira who was Married to the Count de Cabra after her D. Alonso who at last became sole Sovereign of all those Dominions and lastly D. Garcia the youngest all of them by one Wife These Children were educated with that care as became their Dignity D. Ferdinand having setled his Government enjoyed a perfect Peace but thought nothing could gain him more Reputation among his People or be more pleasing to God than to make War upon the Moors That part of the Country lying betwixt the Rivers Guadiana and Tagus and along the River Duero being then the Frontiers of the Moors was called Estremadura and still retains the name Having raised a considerable Army he marched towards those Borders as being the nearest and because the Moors then had made an Inroad into the Country of the Christians and taken a great Booty The King marched with such speed that he put them to flight and recovered all the Prey Then encouraged with success he marched into their Territories wasting all the Country about Merida and Badajoz without sparing any thing that came in his way but driving a vast number of Cattle and Prisoners Besides he took two Towns the one called Sena and the other Gani. In Portugal after a long Siege and vigorous Resistance made by the Moors the City Viseo surrendered The taking of this City was most grateful to the King not only in regard of its great importance but also because in it he found the Moor who as was said before killed his Father-in-law D. Alonso with a Dart he threw from the Wall His death the King now revenged on the Infidel putting out his Eyes cutting off both his Hands and one of his Feet At this time also were taken from the Moors the Castles of S. Martin and Taranço Hence the King went to the Church of S. James the Apostle to pay his Vows made and offer new ones to obtain that Saint's assistance for the future as he had till then This hap'ned the second Year after he was possessed of the Crown of Leon. The following Year which was of our Lord 1040. he commenced the War with greater heat than before by the Siege of Coimbra which at length was surrendred to him upon Discretion Want of all Necessaries obliged the Besieged to submit after enduring a Siege of seven Months which some Authors mistake and would make seven Years At that time it was one of the most famous Cities in Portugal now much more renown'd for Learning having been made an University by King John III. of Portugal who assigned great Revenues to it and it is one of the chiefest in Spain It is said the Monks of a Monastery called Lormanus or rather Lorvao were a great help towards carrying on the Siege by relieving the King's Army with great store of Provision they had laid up unknown to the Moors What return the King made is not known By the taking of this City the Territories of the Kingdom of Leon were extended to the River Mondego which runs thro' it and is called in Latin Monda The King gave the Government of this City and adjacent Country to one Sisnandus a Man well skilled in the manner of fighting with the Moors having served Benabet King of Sevil in his Wars against the Christians such was the corruption of that Age. After setling his Conquest the King again returned to visit the Church of St. James and offered part of the Spoil in acknowledgment for his Success past and to beg a continuance for the future This done he took a Progress to the principal Cities of Castile and Leon in manner
Listed themselves and wore the Cross then the Mark of being engaged in that War Among the rest Bernard Archbishop of Toledo having setled the Government of that Church and Constituted 30 Canons and as many Half-Canons taking up the Cross departed towards the Holy Land No sooner was he gone but the Canons he had appointed met and chose another Archbishop Expelling those that opposed this unlawful Proceeding D. Bernard understanding what had been done returned to Toledo and Expelling all that had a hand in that Disorder put Monks of the Monastery of Sahagun in their places This done he sets forward again and being come to Rome was obliged by the Pope to return home againe as believing his Presence was necessary at Toledo being a place but lately recovered and unsetled He absolved him of the Vow he had made to go to the Holy-Land upon condition he should lay out the Money he had designed for that Expedition in Rebuilding of Tarragona a City then newly taken from the Moors by the Earl of Barcelona In the time of the Romans it was a Noble City and the Seat of their Empire in Spain since reduced to a small number of poor Houses D. Bernard Repaired it and Translated Berengarius Bishop of Vique thither with the Dignity of Archbishop Yet the new Archbishop forgeting this Favour afterwards contended with Bernard about the Right of the Primacy Pope Vrban put an end to the strife assigning the Supremacy of all Spain to Bernard and his Successors Bernard the Archbishop in his way thro' France brought along with him many Learned and Pious Men into Spain who were afterwards promoted to great Dignities Among them also came Burdinus not worthy to be named among them for he afterwards made himself Anti-pope and caused a Schism in the Church as shall be hinted in its place Roderick Diaz Sirnamed Cid or the Lord was not idle all this while but having obtain'd leave of the King who was busie in Andaluzia with a choice Band of his own Forces fell upon the Moors that dwelt upon the Borders of Aragon and Castile All the Moorish Princes strove to gain his Friendship The first he agreed withal was the Lord of Albarrazin Then he went to visit the King of Zaragoça who received him with great signs of Affection hoping with his assistance to make himself Master of Valencia This City is seated where formerly were the Editani near the Sea in a very pleasant Country and has always been a place of great Trade and very Rich. Hiaya he that had been King of Toledo was then in possession of it having inherited it of his Father Almenon to whom it belonged The Lord of Denia Xativa and Tortosa laid close Siege to it The King of Zaragoça thought to raise himself upon the Ruins of others for the Besieged having sent to him for Relief he hoped under that colour to subdue both them and the Besiegers He agreed with Roderick Diaz and both marched thither The Lord of Denja knowing himself inferior to them made Peace with Valencia and raised the Siege Nevertheless the King of Zaragoça would have possessed himself of Valencia had not Roderick Diaz opposed him for that it was under the Protection of the King his Master Hereupon that King returned home Roderick Diaz under colour of assisting the King of Valencia made his own advantage obliging all the Moors thereabouts to pay him Tribute with which and the Booty he maintained the charge of the War King Hiaya before grown odious to his Subjects encreased their hatred by being a Friend to the Christians so that they called in the Almoravides then grown Powerful who killed Hiaya and gave the Sovereignty of the City to Abenaxa the Contriver of that Revolution Roderick Diaz desiring to punish their Treachery and rejoycing that an opportunity was offered him of taking that Noble City resolved to lay Siege to it Valencia was well stored with Provisions Warlike Ammunition a good Garison and a great number of resolute Citizens yet his Constancy overcame all those Difficulties He laid close Siege to it which lasted a long time till the Besieged wanting Provisions and seeing no hopes of relief Surrendred Not so satisfied tho' it seemed a rashness he resolved to maintain that City and in order to it made one Hierome a Companion of the Archbishop of Toledo Bishop of it Moreover he brought thither his Wife and Daughters whom as was said above he had left in the Custody of the Abbot of S. Peter of Carden̄a To the King for that he had favoured his designs he sent a Present of 200 choice Horses with as many Scymiters hanging at the Saddles Such was the posture of Roderick Diaz's Affairs when two young Lords called Earls of Carrion their Names James and Ferdinand Men of great Birth but mean degenerate Souls having obtained the King's Recommendation Marry'd his two Daughters at Valencia It hap'ned soon after that a Lion breaking lose they both hid themselves in an undecent place and at another time in a Skirmish with the Moors they fled These things made them grow contemptible to their Father-in-law who Reproached them and they study'd Revenge Suero their Uncle who ought to have given them better advice heightned their malice Having resolved upon the Villany they were to act they prepared to return home Their Father-in-law having accompanied them part of the way returned to Valencia and they prosecuted their Journey till they came to a Wood on the Frontiers of Castile after they had passed the River Duero There sending away most of their Retinue they took the two Ladies into the Wood and having strip'd them naked whipped them till they lay for dead wallowing in their blood In this manner they were found by Ordonius sent after them by their Father who suspected some ill design He carried them to the next Village where they were dressed and taken care of This Villainous Act brought upon the Husbands the hatred of all Men. Roderick Diaz seeking revenge had recourse to the King at such time as a general Assembly of the States or Parliament was held at Toledo Judges were appointed to determine what was to be done the chief whereof was Raymund of Burgundy the King's Son-in-law After a full hearing it was decreed that those two Lords should restore all that they had received with their Wives and that they and their Uncle Suero should Combat with three others appointed on his part by Roderick Diaz Three Men of note whose Names were Bermudo Antolin and Gustio undertook his Quarrel The young Lords endeavoured to evade the Combat by gaining time so Roderick Diaz went away to Valencia and they to their Estate But the King not satisfied obliged them to fight at Carrion where they were all three overcome Roderick Diaz's two Daughters were Marry'd again D. Elvira to D. Ramiro Son to D. Sancho Garcia King of Navarre who was killed by his Brother Raymund as was said above D.
afterwards Marry'd him to a Lady called Arsenda The Year of our Lord 1104. was unfortunate for the Death of three great Persons Peter Son to the King of Aragon and his Sister Elizabeth dy'd upon the same day and the King himself whither for Grief or thro' some other Distemper is not known departed this Life the Month following He was Bury'd at S. John de la Pena Pope Vrban at the beginning of the War in the Holy-Land granted to this King the Tenths of all Churches that should be new built or taken from the Moors excepting only Cathedrals Alanso Brother to the late King succeeded him in the Throne His Reign was long and his Actions great by which he much extended the Dominions left him by his Ancestors In the second Year of his Reign he Married D. Vrraca Daughter to King Alonso of Castile This Match was made by the King contrary to the desires of all the Nobility who would have had her Marry'd to D. Gomez Earl of Candespina None of them durst open this to the King therefore they charged a Iew who was the King's Doctor upon the first opportunity to acquaint him with their Thoughts This Jew as the King was one day diverting himself broke the business to him It highly offended the King that the Nobles should presume to dispose of his Daughter therefore he for ever forbid the Physician coming into his presence and then hastned the Marriage of his Daughter which was performed with great State at Toledo in the Year 1106. King Alonso somewhat eased with the satisfaction of this Match and desiring to revenge the death of his Son tho' very ancient took the Field again and entring Andaluzia destroyed all the Province with Fire and Sword sparing neither Man nor Beast This done he spent the remainder of his Days in quiet not only forbearing from Martial Affairs but easing himself of the Government as much as could be Yet he took care that Salamanca and Segovia which had been ruined by the Wars should be repaired fortified and embelished Peranzules a Man at that time in great vogue who had been Tutor to the Princess Vrraca in her Minority and was now the King's Favourite had the whole management of publick Affairs and by his Prudence and Vertue seem'd to support the Government The King now quite spent with age for he lived 79 Years grew sickly and was languishing a Year and seven Months yet by the advice of the Physicians he rode out daily but the natural warmth being decay'd at length he dy'd at Toledo on Thursday the first of July 1109. as Pelagius of Oviedo who lived at that time testifies He Reign'd 43 Years was modest in Prosperity and undaunted in Adversity After the Death of King Alonso the Inhabitants of Toledo in a Consternation were about abandoning the City The King's Body was kept there 20 days till this Pannick Fear was over then it was carry'd to the Monastery of Sahagun and there Bury'd with great Pomp the greatest that of the Tears of his Subjects who lamented so great a loss as they had in him These Tears seemed to forbode those Calamities that ensued and the very Stones at Leon presaged this General Lamentation At the foot of the Altar where the Priest uses to stand at Mass in the Church of S. Isidorus in Leon the Stones shed water not where they joyn'd but in the very middle for the space of three days continually which were Thursday Friday and Saturday according to Pelagius who then lived This hap'ned 8 days before the King's death and betokened the Tears of all Spain The Bishops and Clergy hereupon made Processions to appease God's Wrath. In this King's Reign one Lesmes a French-man lived in great opinion of Sanctity at Burgos his chief business was entertaining of Pilgrims His Memory is still Celebrated in that City and his Feast Yearly kept in the Church of his Name Four Leagues from Najara lived another Holy Man a Spaniard or as others say an Italian who used the same Charity and Repaired the Ways thro' which the Pilgrims went to visit the Church of S. James the Apostle and therefore he is commonly called S. Dominick de la Calçada that is of the Cunsey I suppose King Alonso made use of him in building the Bridges that are between Logron̄o and Santiago About the end of the Reign of King Alonso one Moses a learned Jew and a great Linguist was Converted and writ against the Jews and Moors so effectually that many of both Nations were Converted CHAP. V. The Reign of Queen Urraca Her Lewdness She is Divorced from her Husband Deposed from the Government her Son Alonso Proclaimed King of Castile AT the time when King Alonso dy'd his Daughter D. Vrraca Heiress of the Kingdom was absent with her Husband He had no great confidence in the Nobility of Castile who had opposed his Marriage and therefore would not venture among them without a good Body of his own Subjects This kept him back from taking possession of that large Kingdom The Queens Lewdness which was great for a Person of her Rank was concealed and hid Garrisons of Argonians were put into many Cities and Castles to keep the Castilians in subjection Peranzules having great Alliances in both Kingdoms was entrusted with the Government and kept all things in good order His Power lasted not long for the Queen a turbulent Woman being sent before by her Husband instead of Honouring him as became his great Merit treated him ill not only removing him from the Government but seizing upon his Estate All the pretence she had for this rash action was because in his Letters he stiled her Husband King of Castile This is what was given out but in reality she was sorry she was Marry'd because her Husband curb'd her Lewdness and as I am apt to believe that discreet Man reproved her scandalous Life The King was concerned so great a Man should be so ill treated and restored all his Estate He fearing the Queen's displeasure withdrew to the Earldom of Vrgel whereof as was said above he had the charge A new War now broke out in Andaluzia Hali King of the Moors hearing King Alonso was dead broke into the Christian Territories and in sight of Toledo demolished the Castle of Azeca and destroy'd the Monastery of S. Servandus whilst all the Country about was in a flame Not content with this he laid Siege to the City and for the space of 8 days battered it with all sorts of Engines It s own natural strength and a Wall built at the bottom of the City by King Alonso saved it Alvar Fan̄ez a great Man in those days by his Valour contributed much to the safety of the City All hopes of prevailing being lost the Moors raised the Siege and in their way home plundered Madrid and Talavera threw down their Walls and departed with a mighty Booty In Aragon the King was successful
Estella in Navarre signalized himself at the taking of this City he was Father to Peter de Açagra the first Lord of Albarazin of that Family S. Isidorus is said to have appeared to King Alonso before the fight and assured him of success Almeria Anciently called Abadera a City seated on the Coast of the Mediterranean between the borders of Andaluzia and Murcia was then a place of great strength and a receptable of Pyrats Thither the Christian Army marched and encamped before it at such time as the Fleets of Barcelona and Genoa according to what had been agreed having Coasted along lay in sight of the Port. The City was attacked by Sea and Land and having made a Breach and possessed themselves of certain Towers it was at last taken by storm on the 17th of October in the Year 1147. 20000 Moors who had retired into the Castle were forced to buy their Lives for a sum of Money Thus was that Nest of Pyrats that infested the Coasts of Spain France and Italy taken away The plunder was given to the Soldiers To the Genoeses was given a dish made of an Emraud which they valued above all the Booty and preserve to this day in their Treasury Others say that Jewel was found at the taking of Cesarea in Siria Winter drawing on the Army returned home loaded with Riches Raymund Earl of Barcelona not to let slip this opportunity of the Genoese Fleet agreed with them to assist him in the expelling the Moors from part of Aragon and the Islands of Majorea and Minorca In return they were to have the third part of all that was taken in that War In all Towns recovered from the Moors they should have a Church and a Tribunal of of their own and that all their Merchants should be free from Customs and Taxes These conditions being accepted of they stood along the Coast of Catalonia and with their united Forces took the City Tortosa seated at the Mouth of Ebro and therefore a proper place for Traffick This was done in the Year 1148. The following Year Lerida and Fraga two Towns of note were taken by the Christians Lerida was given to the Earl of Vrgel in reward of his great Services during that War William Peroz Bishop of Roda was appointed to the See of Lerida still retaining the Cities of Roda and Barbastro to be included in that Diocess and some Bishops of Lerida long after this time continued to stile themselves Bishops of Roda and Barbastro The affairs of the Moors in Spain went very much down the wind and the Christians grew daily stronger Many Castles Towns and Cities were taken from the Infidels Almost in the middle of Portugal on the Coast of the Ocean the River Tagus forms a Capacious Harbour the entrance or bar is somewhat dangerous but the Port within large and secure On the Northern shore of this Port is seated the City Lisbon the noblest and richest in Portugal At the back of it are certain Hills of easie ascent and the Tops of them covered with buildings The breadth of the City is not so much as the length the Ancient Circumference of the Walls is not very great but the Suburbs are large and still increase Most of the Streets are narrow and crooked and in some places very steep but what is new built much surpasses the old in Beauty About it are many Villages and good Country Houses and a soil beautified with Vineyards and Orchard of Orange and Lemmon Trees D. Alonso ardently desired to make himself Master of this important place which served as a Bulwark to all that the Moors held in those parts His own Force was not sufficient for such an undertaking and the Kings of Spain had their hands full in other places for which reason as soon as he had taken Sintra he made advantagious Proposals to the English Flemings and French to induce them to assist him with their Fleets These Fleets kept the Mouth of the Harbour that no Relief might come to the City by Sea The Forces of the Natives encamp'd where now is the Monastery of S. Vincent the Foreigners in the place where that of S. Francis was since built both places are now within the City They batter'd the Walls for many days and on the day of S. Crispin and Crispinian gave a general Assault the King himself standing by and encouraging his Men. Here the Service was desperate the Christians striving to gain the Breaches and the Moors powring showers of Weapons and Stones upon them in such manner that scarce any fell without doing execution our Men thronging upon one another At length having broke open the Gate call'd of Alfama the City was entred much Blood spilt and all that submitted made Slaves All the Plunder was given to the Soldiers and prov'd greater than had been imagin'd Gilbert a Person of great Learning and Vertue was chosen Bishop tho' a Stranger and Consecrated the principal Mosque In the very place where the King had encamp'd he built a Monastery of the Invocation of S. Vincent and plac'd therein Canons Regulars Many of the Foreigners being taken with the pleasantness of the Country resolv'd to stay and inhabit there and are said to have built Almada Villaverde Arruda Zambruia Castan̄eda and other Towns in that Neighbourhood After this the King following his good Fortune with wonderful Success took from the Moors Alanquer Obidos Ebora Yelves Mura Serpa Beja and many other Towns and Castles in that part of the Country All things submitting to his great Valour and Conduct True it is the greatest part of these Actions fell some Years later Let us return to the Course of our History At this time Eugenius III. govern'd the Church of Rome The Affairs of the Christians in the Holy-Land went to decay To remedy this misfortune the Pope went into France thence to excite all Christian Princes to the Relief of those Holy-Places and to this purpose he held a General Council at Rheimes in the Year of our Lord 1148. Raymund Archbishop of Toledo going to this Council is said by the way to have visited the Church of S. Denis two Leagues from Paris where on a Stone he found this Inscription Here lies Eugenius Martyr first Archbishop of Toledo At his return home he endeavour'd to have the Relicks of that Saint translated to Toledo but this design was prevented by his own and Queen Berengaria's Death which hap'ned near about the same time The Queen dy'd in the Year 1149. and was bury'd in the Church of S. James the Apostle This Year was very remarkable for that it Rain'd Blood in part of Portugal and the Dominions of the Moors The following Year 1150. dy'd Raymund the Archbishop John Bishop of Segovia a Man of singular Piety succeeded him This in Castile On the other part Pope Eugenius confirm'd the Title of King of Portugal to D. Alonso afterwards Alexander III. did the same For this
and challenged him as was then usual but some Persons of Piety interposing the business was mitigated yet the hatred betwixt those two Families could not be rooted out Many Towns and Places of strength adhered to Ferdinand de Castro therefore the King forbore for the present contending with him and bending his Force another way recovered many places that were not Garrisoned It was thought convenient to try the Castle of Zurita seated on a Hill at the foot whereof runs the River Tagus Lope Arenas held it as Lieutenant to Ferdinand de Castro Being summoned he excused himself saying The King was not yet at the age appointed by his Father's Will and that he was but Lieutenant and could not surrender without leave of his Lord. No hopes remaining of a surrender it was resolved to use force D. Lope de Haro came from the farthest part of Biscay to serve at that Siege Provisions growing scarce the Besieged resolved to use Fraud and therefore upon pretence of Capitulating getting D. Nun̄o and Suero de Lara into the Castle kept them Prisoners believing the King to save them would raise the Siege There was one Dominick in the Camp who had deserted from the Castle this Man offer'd for a Reward to make them Masters of the Fort. Upon promise of what he demanded he wounded one Peter Ruiz who was consenting to it and flying was admitted into the Castle and to the Favour of the Lieutenant whose Servant he had been He watched his opportunity and kill'd the Lieutenant whereupon the Castle was immediately Surrendred The King caused Dominick's Eyes to be put out as an example of Treachery yet allowed him a Maintenance which was afterwards taken away and he put to Death for that he boasted of his wickedness The Army was dismissed and D. Lope de Haro much commended return'd home having refused Presents that were offer'd him because the King's Treasury was exhausted This Gentleman is said to have built the Town of Haro not far from the River Ebro The King went to Toledo whither he had summon'd the General Assembly call'd Cortes or Parliament and there it was consulted how to settle the Kingdom and recover those places that would not submit This Year was remarkable for great Rains and Floods particularly at Toledo the River Tagus swelled till it came to the Church of S. Isidorus The following Year on the 8th of February there was an Earthquake in that City a thing not usual and therefore thought to presage more Troubles Ferdinand King of Leon had Marry'd Vrraca the Daughter of Alonso King of Portugal by whom he had Alonso who succeeded him notwithstanding he was Divorc'd from the Queen on account of Consanguinity This Divorce produc'd enmity betwixt the Kings and much harm was done on both sides King Ferdinand was busie repairing the Towns ruin'd by the Wars and building others By the advice of a Banish'd Portugues he built Cuidad Rodrigo on the Borders of Portugal to be a check to those People Hence arose Disgusts which ended in open Enmity King Ferdinand tho' Affable and Courteous was Brave and Resolute and feared not at once to engage both the Kings of Castile and Portugal King Alonso of Castile in the beginning of the Year 1170. held the Cortes or Parliament at Burgos where it was Enacted That since he was at the age of 15 appointed by his Father's Will for delivering all Cities Towns and Castles into his Hands there should be War declared against all such as withheld any from him not excepting King Ferdinand who still was possess'd of a considerable part of the Kingdom That War many difficulties intervening was deferr'd for some time The great Men lest they should be reputed Traitors now no excuse was left obeyed Among the first was Ferdinand de Castro who fearing his Enemies and the King's Displeasure renouncing his Country as the Custom was then went over to the Moors whence he ceased not to do harm upon the Lands of the Christians It was also proposed in the Cortes or Parliament to set on foot a Treaty of Marriage between the King and the Lady Ellenor Daughter to Henry II. King of England and Duke of Normandy and Aquitain After this Alonso King of Aragon had an Interview with his Cousin the King of Castile at Sahagun where a League was concluded between them Thence the two Kings about the beginning of July went to Zaragoça From thence an Embassy was sent to treat about the King's Marriage Cerebrunus Archbishop of Toledo was Principal of the Embassy with him went Raymund Bishop of Palencia and other Prelates and Noblemen At Bourdeaux the Treaty was concluded whence the Lady came into Spain attended not only by those that went for her but by Bernard Bishop of that City and many other Persons of Note Mean while the Kings of Castile and Aragon had made a League Offensive and Defensive against all Princes except the King of England in respect to the Marriage in hand For the more security Cautionary Towns were given on both sides the King of Aragon had Najara and Biguerra he of Castile Ariza and Daroca The Bride being come to Taraçona there the Nuptials were Celebrated with great Pomp in the Month of September The King of Aragon gave her Her Joynter was a great part of Castile Burgos Medina del Campo and many other Towns and half of all that should be taken from the Moors For the King ravished with the beauty of his Bride endeavour'd to exceed all his Predecessors in Liberality Lope the Moorish King of Murcia was doubtless in League with the King of Castile for I find he went to Toledo about this time King Alonso of Aragon was about making War upon him on account that he refused to pay the Tribute he paid to his Father but they agreed and he consented to pay upon Condition King Alonso should not uphold the Maçemutes his Enemies All the Solemnities being perform'd at Taraçona the two Christian Kings parted and publick Rejoicings were again Celebrated at Burgos After that the Troop of Avila which till then had attended the King was dismiss'd Great Privileges were granted to the City Avila for its Fidelity to the King in the worst of times Then the King and Queen set out for Toledo At the same time the King of Aragon with the consent of the Bishop of Rhoda had the Head of Valerius Bishop of Zaragoça translated to that City from Rhoda where it had been till then Garsendis Princess of Bearn by the Death of her Father and Brother did Homage to the King of Aragon and confirmed the contract made that she should not Marry without his leave Some are of Opinion she was Marry'd to William of Moncada a Nobleman and Seneschal of Catalonia of which there is no proof and therefore I thought better to leave it dubious than attempt to decide it on either side CHAP. V. The League made against Peter Ruiz de Azagra
concluded betwixt those two Crowns Thus much concerning the Original of this Order of Knighthood I know some will have King Alonso the Chast and others King Ramiro to be the Founders of it long belong this time but they have no grounds for it In France after much trouble Peace was concluded betwixt the King of Aragon and Earl of Toulouze who was dissatisfied for that the King obstructed the Marriage of his Son with the Daughter of the late Earl of Provence The King gave him 3000 Marks of Silver to quit his pretensions and his Son Married the Sister of Trencavelle Viscount of Carcassonne her name was Beatrix Hugo Great Master of the Templers was very instrumental in making this Accommodation Castile after a long Oppression began now through the Valour of its King D. Alonso to lift up its head At the same time the power of the Moors declined The Almohades wholly taken up with the affairs of Africk had not leasure to mind Spain Besides Aven Jacob Successor to Abdelmon tho' of sufficient Valour yet equalled not his Father in good Fortune The King of Castile being now at Age resolved not to let slip so good an opportunity of inlargeing his Territories Having therefore taken his revenge on Navarre and Leon he consulted with the King of Aragon about carrying on the War against the Moors and it was determined to begin by the Conquest of Cuenca This City was built by the Moors on a high and Craggy Hill shut up on two sides by the Rivers Xucar and Huecar so that it is naturally impregnable The ascent is difficult the Streets narrow so steep that Horses cannot go in many of them In those days it had no Spring nor Wells at present Water has been brought to it from other Hills so that it was easie to keep the Town from Water but not practicable to assault it by reason of the Cragginess of the Ground Great preparations were made in both Kingdoms and many Captains of note and Prelates attended the Kings in this Expedition Among them Peter de Açagrd being now reconciled to the Kings was the first that took his Post before the City The Siege was begun with the Year and there being no Possibility of Battering or Assaulting the Town lasted long the Moors defending themselves in hopes of relief Provisions grew as scarce in the Camp as in the Town and they lived only upon plunder Besides there was no Money to pay the Soldiers and invite Vivandiers These difficulties moved the King of Castile to go to Burgos to raise Money The Cortes or Parliament being Assembled it was proposed that not only the Commonalty but Nobility and Gentry who used to be free from Taxes should pay to the King five Maravedies of Gold a Head for that the populace was before wasted with Taxes This advice was given by D. James de Haro Lord of Biscay whose Sister was Marryed to the King of Leon and brought him two Sons Sancho and Garcia Peter Earl of Lara opposed it and a great number of Nobility joyning him left the Assembly resolving to maintain their Priviledges by force of Arms. The King moved by this danger gave over that Tax It was agreed among the Nobles to make an Annual Feast to Peter of Lara and his Successors in Memory of this Mutinous exploit Whilst these debates were at Burgos the Siege having lasted Nine Months Cuenca was at last taken in the Month of September 1177. This same Year was Fortunate to Navarre in the Birth of Ferdinand of whom the Fruitful Queen Beatrix was delivered after she had brought Sancho Raymund Berengaria Teresa and Blanch. For the greater honour of the City Cuenca it was by consent of the Pope made a Bishoprick the Priviledges of Valera an Episcopal See in the time of the Goths being translated thither To the Citizens was granted the Priviledge of sending Representatives to the Cortes or Parliament In reward of their good Service the Aragonians were freed from the Homage they ow'd to Castile A League was concluded betwixt the two Kings against all Princes except him of Leon who was exempted in respect to his Kindred After Cuenca the War continuing Alarcon a place of no less strength was taken Also the Town of Iniesta better known for its Salt-Pits the Salt whereof is like Transparent Stone than for the goodness of the soil The Knights of St. James that they might be nearer the Moors were Ordered to settle their Monastery at Vcles whence King Ferdinand of Leon repenting what he had done would have had them return to their first Habitation After much debate it was agreed that Four Priests of that Order should be sent to Leon who should still be Subject to the Monastery of Vcles which they afterwards refused and Pope Vrban I. Ordered the Monasteries should be independent of one another only subject to the great Master of the Order Not long after these Knights were admitted to Portugal and had large Possessions given them They for many Years obey'd the Great Master of the Order till King Denis assigning them a Head of their own withdrew them from any dependance on Castile Tho' these things fell out in several Years they are put together to ease the Memory Let us return to the series of the History The King of Castile now built the City Plasencia on the Borders of his Kingdom and made it a Bishoprick The Walls of Toledo were repaired and the Town of Alarcos rebuilt All this hap'ned in the Year of our Lord 1178. At the same time Alonso King of Aragon upon the death of Giraldus Earl of Russillon who dy'd without Issue seized upon that Earldom and from thence forward stiled himself King of Aragon Earl of Barcelona and Russillon and Marquess of Provence On the 20th of March 1179. he set out from Perpignan towards Cazola where he was to have an interview with the King of Castile Here it was agreed that Valencia Xativa Denia and their Dependancies should belong to the Conquest of Aragon All the other Towns in the Kingdom of Murcia were assigned to Castile They also made a League against Sancho King of Navarre to his great loss for the Castillians took from him the Towns of Briviesca Cerezo Logron̄o and all that lies between the Mountains Doca and Calahorra To these Roderick the Archbishop adds Navarrete Thence the Army of Castile marched towards Leon where they plundered and wasted all the Country The King of Leon being too weak to defend himself Sollicited him of Aragon putting him in mind this was a breach of the Confederacy made at Cuenca There only wanted a pretence for the Kingdom of Aragon to break with Castile therefore he sent to demand Restitution of Hariza and its Castle and in case of refusal to declare War Great were the Apprehensions of a Bloody War yet the King of Castile's modesty prevented it for he restored Hariza and forbore carrying on the War
before Santarem King Alonso tho' very Aged and Lame since his hurt at Badajoz in so much that he could not ride having assembled all the Force of his Kingdom marched to Santarem He charged the Moors in the Front and his Son Sallying out of Town upon the rear they were easily put to flight Great Slaughter was made The Moorish King Mortally wounded endeavouring to pass the River Tagus which is there deep and rapid was drown'd This Victory was obtained in the Year 1184. Abenjozeph Brother to Abenjacob succeeded him in the Empire of Africk and Spain CHAP. VII The Death of the Kings of Leon and Portugal Alliances betwixt the Kings of Spain The defeat of the Christians at Alarcos Sancho the Wise King of Navarre dies Sancho the first King of Portugal Alonso the Ninth of Leon. THE Death of Armengaud Earl of Vrgel somewhat abated the joy all Spain conceived for the Victory of the Portugueses over the Moors He was Son of Armengaud of Castile Earl of Barcelona Marryed to a Sister of the King of Aragon and had not only great Dominions in Catalonia and Aragon but was also Lord of Valladolid in Castile as being great Grandson to Peranzules before spoken off This Prince to advance the Christian Cause with his own Forces broke into the Territory of Valencia and after some successful Exploits was killed in an Ambush laid by the Moors near the Town of Requena Others will have it that he was slain by the Castilians but that is not so probable He left a Son of his own Name who inherited his Dominions On the other side the King of Navarre entred Castile plundering all the Country as far as Atapuerca where the Abbot of S. Peter de Carden̄a met him with the Standard of Roderick Diaz Sirnam'd Cid begging he would restore the Booty The King not only condescended to his Request but accompanied that Standard back to the place whence it was brought These things hap'ned in the Year 1185. At the same time the King of Portugal and his Son went to Coimbra and thence to Porto where the Marriage betwixt Teresa the King's Daughter and Philip Earl of Flanders was Celebrated the Flemings call her Maud. After the Solemnity they return'd to Coimbra there the King worn out with Age and Diseases dy'd on the 6th of December being 91 years old His Body as he had ordered was bury'd in a mean Tomb in the Church of Santa Cruz built by him and thence remov'd by King Emanuel to a stately Sepulchre of Marble He was a Man accomplish'd in all manner of Virtue the Founder and Conqueror of the Kingdom of Portugal His Zeal for Religion appears by the many Churches and Monasteries he Founded in Lisbon Ebora and other places His Queen Malfada was not inferior to him in Piety and perform'd many like Acts of Christian Generosity Spain enjoy'd Peace after the late Agreement among the Christian Princes and Death of Abenjacob the Moorish King Peter Ruiz de Açagra Lord of Albarazin was willing to assist the Christian Kings in their Wars but would not be Subject to any of them and therefore stiled himself the Vassal of S. Mary The strength of his City and the Emulation of the Kings each striving to draw him to himself secur'd his Possession In the Year 1186. in January the Kings of Castile and Aragon meeting at Agreda by mutual consent Banish'd out of their Dominions all the Kindred of the said Peter de Açagra that were of his party No more was done at that time At the beginning of the Year following Gaston Viscount of Bearn did Homage to the King of Aragon at Huesca as his Predecessors had done This Year was unfortunate for the taking of Jerusalem Baldwin King of that City and the Great Master of the Templers by Saladin In Castile King Alonso regulated the Order of Calatrava In the Year 1188. dy'd Frederick King of Leon at Benavente having Reign'd 31 Years and was bury'd in the Royal Chappel at Santiago He was judg'd more fit for War than Peace immoderate in the desire of Ruling but brave and generous Martin a Priest of Leon at that time writ many Books and is said to have attain'd all his Learning in a Vision in which S. Isidorus appear'd to him and gave him a Book to eat whereas before he was very Ignorant Sancho succeeded King Alonso of Portugal and Alonso IX his Father Ferdinand in the Kingdom of Leon. Upon the Death of his Father Alonso turn'd back being then on his way to Portugal whither he was going only to shun his Mother-in-law who accounted him a Bastard and could not endure that he should take place of her Children Hence arose continual Disgusts and tho' the new King allowed her the Joynter setled by his Father yet at last she was oblig'd to retire to Najara where she spent the remainder of her Days In the Monastery of S. Mary Royal in that City are the Tombs of that Lady and her Brothers D. Lope Bishop of Segovia and D. Martin de Haro Alonso King of Leon was twice Marry'd first with Teresa Daughter of King Sancho of Portugal by whom he had three Children Sancha Ferdinand who dy'd young and Dulcis then being Divorc'd by reason of Consanguinity he Marry'd Berengaria Daughter to Alonso King of Castile his Cousin-german Sancho the first of the Name King of Portugal call'd the Peopler and the Fat was Marry'd to Aldonça Dulcis Sister to the King of Aragon By her he had many Children which were Alonso the eldest Ferdinand Peter and Henry who dy'd young and 5 Daughters Teresa Malfada Sancha Blanch and Berengaria After the Death of the Queen he had many Children by two Mistresses by the first call'd Johanna he had Vrraca and Martin by the other whose Name was Mary Teresa Egidius Constance and Roderick Teresa was Marry'd to Alonso Tello who Founded the Town of Albuquerque Alonso King of Castile by one Wife had eleven Children whereof Blanch was the happiest for that being Marry'd to Luis VIII King of France she was Mother to S. Luis After Blanch follow'd Berengaria Sancho Vrraca and Ferdinand born in the Year 1189. then Malfada and Constance then two or three Sisters whose Names are not known and lastly Ellenor and Henry the youngest who came to succeed his Father as shall be shown in its place The King of Castile was the greatest Potentate in Spain and consequently terrible to the others which mov'd them to joyn in a League Offensive and Defensive They endeavour'd to draw the King of Leon into this Confederacy but he was more inclinable to his Cousin the King of Castile and therefore as soon as setled in the possession of his Kingdom he went of his own accord to Carrion where the Cortes or Parliament of Castile was held in the Year 1188. There he was Knighted by the King and kissed his Hand a Submission misbecoming the Regal
Authority Conrad Son to the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa who was going a Pilgrimage and Raymund Earl of Toulouze were present at that Assembly and Knighted by the King according to the Custom of Spain A Match was also agreed upon betwixt Conrade and Berengaria the King's Daughter but at last it took no effect The Kings of Aragon and Navarre in the Month of September 1190. had a Conference at Borgia and there concluded a League against Castile Afterwards Leon and Portugal were drawn into the Confederacy at Huesca where the Embassadors of those two Crowns met the King of Aragon There to the former Articles it was added that none of those Princes should make Peace or Truce or declare War without the consent of the others The Treaty was signed in May 1191. This same Year Pope Clement III. departed this Life at Rome and Celestin III. succeeded him Gonzalo Archbishop of Toledo dy'd in August the same Year In his time King Alonso gave the Towns of Talamanca and Esquivias to that Church Martin Lopez for his extraordinary Actions and Generosity call'd the Great succeeded him This same Year the River Tagus was Frozen at Toledo a thing very rare in that Temperate Climate James Lopez de Haro Lord of Biscay the greatest among the Nobility of Castile and Governour of Briviesca Najara and Soria perswaded the King to assemble the Cortes or Parliament at Carrion in the Year 1192. for carrying on the War against the Moors Least the Kings of Leon and Navarre with whom Castile was at Variance should take any advantage while the King was employ'd against the Infidels a Peace was concluded with those Princes Then Martin Archbishop of Toledo was Ordered to Commence the War as a prelude to what follow'd In Aragon the Earl of Vrgel who since his Father's death had been out of the Kingdom upon account of the Enmity betwixt him and Ponce de Cabrera a Powerful Man now at length came and submitted himself to the King Gaston Earl of Bearne Marry'd a Daughter of Bernard Earl of Cominges and with her had in Dower the Lordship of Bigorre in Feof of the King of Aragon Berengarius Bishop of Tarragona was kill'd on the 16th of February 1194. by Michael de Moncada as is reported but the cause of their Enmity is not known On the 17th of June following dy'd at Pamplona Sancho King of Navarre for his more than Ordinary Learning Sirnamed the Wise His Body was bury'd with great Pomp in the Cathedral of that City He Reign'd 43 Years 7 Months and 6 Days By his Wife Sancha Aunt to the King of Castile he left Ferdinand Ramiro Berengaria Teresa Blanch and the eldest of them all that succeeded him was Sancho VIII King of Navarre who for the greatness of his Spirit and Warlike actions obtained the Title of the Strong He was also called The Confin'd for that towards his end he was long shut up in the Castle of Tudela by reason of a Cancer he had and would suffer no Body to see him There remain many Footsteps of his Magnificence and particularly he turned the Channel of the River Erbo to bring it to Tudela and built a Bridge over it He founded two Monasteries of Cistercians called Fitero and Oliva and a Church of the invocation of St. Mary at Roncesvalles for himself and his Successors to be Bury'd His Wife was Clemencia Daughter to Raymund IV. Earl of Toulouze by her he had Ferdinand who dy'd before his Father of a fall he had from his Horse in hunting and was bury'd in the Church of S. Mary at Tudela At the time of D. Sancho's Accession to the Crown all Spain was under the apprehension of a Bloody War Martin Archbishop of Toledo had broke into Andaluzia and made great havock putting all the Country to fire and Sword and no Body attempting to oppose him returned with a rich Booty The Moors incensed at this loss gathered all their Forces and Abenjoseph Mazemute Miramamolin of Africk came into Spain with a vast Multitude of Men for not only the Almohades but the Arabs and Ethiopians follow'd him This Inundation pass'd over Sierra Morena and incamped near Alarcos a Town built not long before by the Christians King Alonso was no ways daunted but having sent to the Kings of Leon and Navarre for aid advanced to Alarcos and pitch'd his Camp near the Enemy whose Multitude fill'd all those Hills and Plains Some advised to wait the coming of the two Kings others more hot would not give them any share in the honour of that Action The worst advice took place both Armies drew out and a Battle was fought near Alarcos upon Wednesday the 19th of June 1195. Great Bravery was shown on both sides but the Multitude of the Enemy prevailed our Army was put to flight great Numbers slain and among them Martin Martinez Great Master of Calatrava Some say Martin Archbishop of Toledo was in this fight James de Haro the Principal Promoter of this War behav'd himself ill and withdrew at the beginnig of the Battle to Alarcos either despairing of success or as some will have it being disgusted with the King for comparing the Gentry of Andaluzia to the Nobility of Castile in Bravery The Moors after the Victory not only took Alarcos but entred the Kingdom of Toledo as far as Yevenes which is Six Leagues from that City and then turned back In our days there remain only some ruins of Alarcos and a Church of Our Lady held in great Veneration it is supposed the Infidels destroyed that place This misfortune was deem'd a judgment of God on the King for that Neglecting his Wife he was fallen in Love with a Jewish Woman whom the Nobility in scorn caused to be killed The King being in a rage for the loss of her an Angel appeared to him in the same form he had one painted and with threats oblig'd him to give over that fondness In the Church of Illescas on the right hand of the High-Altar is a Chapel called the Angel with an Inscription signifying that to be the place where the Angel appear'd to King Alonso the Good so he is stiled The Kings of Leon and Navarre hearing of the disaster befallen at Alarcos drew back their Forces He of Leon visited King Alonso but he of Navarre returned without so much as Saluting him which affront the King of Castile highly resented and resolved to take revenge not only of the Moors but of the Navarrois CHAP. VIII King Alonso of Aragon dies and his Son Peter succeeds him The King of Leon divorc'd Castilians and Aragonians over-run Navarre Alonso King of Castile 's two Daughters Marry'd to the Kings of England and Leon. Plague and Famine in Spain THE following Year being 1196. dyed King Alonso of Aragon the second of the Spanish Kings in Power in Valour inferior to none He breath'd his last at Perpignan at a time his Kingdom enjoy'd Plenty and
in great State to her Husband These things were done in the Year 1201. Much about the same time Berengaria the King of Castile's other Daughter was Marry'd to Alonso King of Leon at Valladolid where the two Kings met to that purpose Her Dower was only those Towns her Father had taken from her Husband Alonso Earl of Provence and William Earl of Focalquer being at variance the King of Aragon took a journey into France and composed their differences Thence he went by Sea to Rome designing to make use of the interest of Pope Innocent III. for obtaining the assistance of the Fleets of Genoa and Pisa towards the Conquest of Majorca The Pope received him with great Magnificence caused him to be anointed and himself put on his Crown ordaining that for the future the Kings of Aragon should be Crown'd by the Archbishop of Tarragona as the Popes Vicar In return the King made his Kingdom Tributary to the Pope which was highly resented by his Subjects CHAP. IX The Marriage of the King of Aragon and Death of some Persons of Note Peace concluded and Alliance between all the Christian Kings of Spain The beginning of the War with the Moors A vast Multitude of Foreigners comes to the assistance of the Christian Kings of Spain KING Peter of Aragon being returned home from Rome incensed the Minds of his Subjects by imposing a Tax called Monetal from which even the Nobility were not exempted Pope Innocent indeavoured to make a match betwixt the King and the Lady Mary Daughter to Elizabeth Queen of Jerusalem by that means to ingage him in the Holy War Conveniency prevailed and he Marryed the Lady Mary Daughter and Heiress to William Lord of Montpellier Vrraca the King of Castile's Youngest Daughter was Marry'd to Alonso the King of Portugal's eldest Son in the Year 1206. This Year there was so great an Eclipse of the Sun that the Darkness lasted Six hours as if it had been the Dead of Night The Floods were so great that the River Tagus swell'd the height of a Man above the Gate of Almofala at Toledo as the Annals of that City inform us It is likely this Gate of Almofala was the same is now call'd of St. Isidorus King Alonso made Martin Archbishop of Toledo High Chancellor of Castile No hopes being left the King of Navarre of recovering his losses he had a Conference with him of Castile at Guadalaxara where a Truce was concluded for five Years and Cautionary Towns given on both sides for security of performance In the Year 1208. dy'd Martin Archbishop of Toledo Roderick Ximenes a Navarrios succeeded him In November departed his Life Sancha Mother to the King of Aragon On the same day as the Archbishop dy'd also Stephen Illan Governour of Toledo who as was said recovered that City for the King Also the Earl of Vrgel leaving one only Daughter who being oppress'd by Gerard de Cabrera Son to Ponce before mentioned surrendred her Earldom to the King of Aragon and put herself under his protection Here ended the Dominion of the Heirs of the great Borello formerly Earls of Barcèlona and Vrgel over that City tho' her Father by Will left the half of his City of Valladolid to Pope Innocent that he might protect his Daughter in the remaining part but I do not find that ever the Pope had possession of this Legacy The Truce with the Moors was near expiring and great danger threatned unless the Christian Princes would unite their Forces for the publick good Alonzo King of Leon disturbed the Peace by seizing upon his Mother-in-law's Joynter-Lands James de Haro her Brother opposing the King drew upon himself the Forces of Leon and Castile and not able to defend his own was forc'd to fly to Navarre Thence he infested the Frontiers of Castile but being defeated by the two Kings retired to Estela a strong Town The four Kings of Castile Leon Aragon and Navarre met at Alfaro and concluded a Peace Hereupon James de Haro forsaken by all fled to Valencia to the Moors Soon after the King of Aragon entring the Kingdom of Valencia had his Horse kill'd under him in fight and must certainly have been taken but that James de Haro mounted him This made him so odious to the Infidels that he was oblig'd to go over to Africk to clear himself before the Miramamolin Afterwards having made his Peace with the Christian Kings he return'd to Castile In the Year 1209. the two Kings of Aragon and Navarre had another meeting in a Plain near a Town call'd Mallen Here all Differences were adjusted and the King of Navarre lent him of Aragon 20000 Daccats for which he was to deliver four Towns in pawn to D. Ximeno de Rada who if the Money was not repaid on the day appointed was to surrender them up to the King of Navarre King Alonso of Castile hop'd to draw Succours out of France but the Wars betwixt the French and English hindred Whereupon he entred Guienne resolving to fall upon either of the two that should refuse to hearken to Peace His labour was lost for the enmity was irreconcileable and the Preparations made by the Moors oblig'd him to return into Spain Whilst the Truce with the Moors lasted an University was Founded at Palencia at the King's charge and by the persuasion of Roderick Archbishop of Toledo and Professors of all Sciences brought out of France upon promise of great Salaries At Huelgas near Burgos the King also built a great Monastery for the burying of Kings and an Hospital adjoyning to it Constance Sister to the King of Aragon and Dowager of Hungary by whom she had a Son call'd Ladislaus by persuasion of Pope Innocent III. Marry'd Frederick King of Sicily The Alliances establish'd betwixt the Christian Princes fill'd all People with hopes and joy Yet at this time the King of Leon by command of Pope Innocent was Divorc'd from his Queen Berengaria upon account of Consanguinity and she sent to her Father Mahomet who had succeeded his Brother Abenjoseph in the Empire of the Moors made great Preparations to invade the Dominions of the Christians who on their part were not idle Peter King of Aragon took Adamuz and other Towns in the Kingdom of Valeneia To the Knights Templers he gave the Town of Tortosa for their good service perform'd in the late Wars Ferdinand Son to the King of Castile entred Andaluzia and plundred all the Country about Baeza Anduxar and Jaen About the same time Mahomet King of the Moors call'd the Green from the colour of his Turbant took Salvatierra part of the Inhabitants were put to the Sword the rest made Slaves It was Besieg'd in June 1210. and taken in September King Alonso was marching to relieve it but at Talavera his Son Ferdinand met and assur'd him there was need of a greater Army to engage the Enemy Prince Ferdinand dying in October the following Year put a stop
them as favourers of Hereticks Tho' his Friends advised him to to be more Moderate he could not restrain himself as believing the City was departing from the Law of God He went to the Common-Council and told them That accident was an affront to all Spain that where formerly just Laws and Constitutions were enacted as being the Head of a Kingdom there at present unheard of Villanies and Heresies were invented He added God would not give them rain to Bless the Fruits of the Earth till they had cast down that Church and thrown away those Bones they Worship'd For so it was that ever since that superstition began which was now ten Months it never rain'd and there was a Dearth in the Country The Judge in the presence of all the Assembly said to the Deacon Do you assure us that the Church being cast down God will give us Rain and Water the Country The Deacon full of Faith answer'd Give me leave to demolish that House and I promise in the Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ upon forfeiture of Life and Goods that within eight Days Our Lord will send the necessary Rain in abundance The Company gave Credit to his Words He repair'd to the place with Labourers appointed and many of the Citizens levelled the Church and scatter'd the Bones about the Dung-Hills It hap'ned to the great astonishment of them all that as the Church was pulling down among the Timber was heard a Noise as it were of a Trumpet to show the Devil forsook that place The next Day a great part of the City was burnt down for the Wind being very high the Fire could not soon be stop'd from spreading far The Multitude mutiny'd and ran to find out the Deacon with a design to Murder him saying That instead of Rain he had been the cause of that great Fire The Hereticks appear'd scoffing at the Clergy and said The Deacon deserv'd Death and that what he had promised would not come to pass But the Almighty had Mercy on his People for at the end of the Eight Days appointed he sent abundant Rain so that the Fruits of the Earth recover'd and there was a plentiful Harvest that Year The Deacon encourag'd by this success went on prosecuting the Hereticks till he oblig'd them to quit the City Thus far are the Words of this Author By which it appears that this Pestilential Heresie spread in Spain but it s greatest fury fell upon Toulouze whence ensu'd great mischiefs and the unhappy Death of the King of Aragon who would uphold it as shall appear in the Sequel The Sect of the Albigenses grew formidable and daily gathered strength not only by the number of the Commonalty that adhered to it but also by Means of the Princes and Persons of note that supported it without regarding the Pope's Authority or their own reputation These were the Earls of Toulouze Faux Besiers and Cominges In like manner the King of Aragon supported them because these Cities were Feofs depending on him as has been said before Besides he was nearly Ally'd to the Earl of Toulouze whose third Wife was the King of Aragon's Sister And the Earl's Son and Heir whose Name as well as his Father's was Raymund had taken to Wife another of the same King's Sisters called Sancha This was the true cause of his declaring for the Albigenses and taking up Arms for them Otherwise he was a truely Catholick Prince as may be inferred by his delivering his Son D. Jaime or James to Simon Earl of Monfort to be bred up and instructed which Simon was General of the Catholicks and a Scourge to the Hereticks Such was the posture of Affairs that it much troubled the Catholicks of France but above all the Pope who apprehended lest that Evil should daily take a deeper root and gather strength by so many Favourers The more for that the Multitude who love Novelties being deceived by the sleights of those Hereticks easily forsook the Faith of their Ancestors and embraced those extravagent Opinions Some Remedy was sought to put a stop to this growing Evil. Mildness was thought at first most expedient to try whether by the care of good Teachers those that had stray'd might be brought back D. James Bishop of Osma in his way to Rome whither he was sent by the King of Castile went thro' that part of France and seeing the condition of Affairs and danger those Towns were in unless some speedy remedy were apply'd gave a full account to the Pope of the whole mischief and where the greatest danger appeared With him went the Glorious Father S. Dominick then a Canon Regular of the Order of S. Augustin and afterwards on this account Founder of the Order of Preachers He was Born at Calervega in the Territory of Osma of a Noble Family The Pope understanding how the matter stood resolved to give a check to that spreading Evil. He dispatch'd the Bishop and his Companion with full Commission to quench that flame He also appointed one of the Cardinals his Legate with ample power Being come into France they chose 12 Abbots of the Order of S. Bernard to be their Associates that being Natives they might by their Preaching and Example bring back those that had gone astray But whatever was gain'd by this means many being converted from their Errors chiefly by the Preaching of S. Dominick and Miracles he wrought in several parts no less was the number of those perverted by the Hereticks For who can reduce an incens'd Rabble to reason Who can restore to their Wits Men lost and hardned in Error A Limb that cannot be healed must be cut off and the safest method is in such cases to use Rigour in time This moved the Pope and Catholick Princes to alter their methods and since no peaceable means were of force to resolve upon War and open Force as we shall show in the following Chapter CHAP. II. The Death of Peter King of Aragon and of Alonso King of Castile Simon Earl of Monfort General of the Catholicks Overthrows the Hereticks and takes the Towns they had possess'd themselves of IT being now resolved to decide these matters of Religion by Arms a great number of Soldiers were assembled out of Italy Germany and France hoping to gain the Indulgence granted by the Pope to such as took up the Cross on such occasions These first possess'd themselves of the City Besieres and in it put to the Sword 7000 of the Mutiniers This struck such a terror into the People of Carcassonne that they surrendred the City to the Catholicks and the Ringleaders were punish'd These prosperous beginnings encourag'd the Catholicks who wanting a General made choice of Simon Earl of Montfort a Town of note in the Territory of Chartres as being an experienced Soldier and of known Zeal for the Catholick Religion He having taken upon him that charge and gather'd his Forces gain'd from the Hereticks the Castle of Minerva the City
Albis a Town call'd Vaure near Toulouze and many other places This done he laid Siege to Toulouze but could not enter it by reason the Earls of Toulouze Faux and Cominges were within and defended it with great resolution Therefore raising the Siege he bent his Force against the Earldom of Faux The King of Aragon was in care for those his Friends and Allies and fear'd lest Simon of Montfort under the specious pretence of Religion should endeavour to enlarge his own Dominions Therefore immediately after the famous Battle of Navas de Tolosa he imploy'd his thoughts on the Affairs of France with so much application that it appears he was at Toulouze in the Month of January in the Year 1213. In May following he raised Men at Lerida and other places to carry on that War Being returned to France all those Princes joyn'd him with their Forces which together are said to have composed an Army of 100000 Men a number scarce credible Simon of Montfort provided to oppose so powerful an Enemy and in order to it fortified the Castle Murelle on the Banks of the River Garonne The Confederates marched to Besiege it and Montfort with a small number but chosen Men to defend it With him were seven Bishops S. Dominick and three Abbots These endeavour'd to disswade the King from supporting the Hereticks but he was deaf to their advice The Catholicks were not above 800 Horse and 1000 Foot a small number to the multitude of the Enemies However relying on the Justice of their Cause they engaged and it was resolutely fought on both sides At length thro' the special Providence of God and Valour of the Catholicks the Enemy was put to flight the Earls escap'd but the King was kill'd upon the place with several Argonians of note yet the number of the Dead was not great Every Body said the King had deserved that end for favouring of Hereticks tho' in other respects he was so true a Son of the Church that he got the name of Peter the Catholick and also for his Lewdness which transported him so far as to put away his Queen a Woman of singular Virtue upon pretence of Consanguinity and that she had been Marry'd to the Earl of Cominges tho' that Marriage had been declared invalid This Lady was now at Rome and daily expected Judgment should be given for her when the news of the King's Death was brought His Body was buried by the Knights of S. John in the Monastery of Ximena where Queen Sancha his Mother lies He left only one Son called Jayme or James but four Years of Age. There were yet living Ferdinand Brother to the Deceased and Abbot of Montaragon and consequently a professed Monk and Sancho Earl of Roussillon his Uncle of a great age as being Uncle to the late King These two notwithstanding the Profession of the one and the Age of the other had thoughts of Usurping the Crown To this purpose they endeavoured to gain the Nobility and People giving out that D. Jayme was a Bastard and they consequently next Heirs This design was no way pleasing to the Prelates and Nobles Especially Peter Fernandez de Açagra Lord of Albarazin was concerned there should be any talk of Excluding the Child and that he should be then as a Prisoner in the hands of Simon of Montfort Having therefore consulted the other Nobles they sent an Embassador to Pope Innocent desiring he would command Montfort to deliver up the Child whom all acknowledged as their King The Pope readily condescended and sent Orders to his Legate the Cardinal of Benavente then in the War against the Hereticks to give all satisfaction to the Argonians if what they demanded were just Mean while Montfort had taken Toulouze the Nest and chief Recepticle of the Hereticks The Legate gathered a Synod at Montpelier where it was unanimously agreed to give all that had been taken in War to Simon of Montfort as a Reward for his good service The Bishop of Embrun was sent to the Pope to obtain a Confirmation of this their Decree This was the posture of Affairs in France In Spain a violent Famine rag'd by reason of the Drought After the Famine as is usual follow'd the Plague caused by the unusual things eaten for want Many Towns were quite Unpeopled especially in the Kingdom of Toledo where this Calamity was most destructive as being the highest part of all Spain Roderick Archbishop of Toledo was a great help to the Poor giving extraordinary Alms and stirring up others to do the like Whereupon King Alonso afterwards at Burgos gave him 20 Villages and the Chancellorship of Castile the highest Dignity next the King to him and his Successors the Archbishops for ever This Office the Archbishops exercised by themselves or their Deputies till the time of the Archbishop Giles de Albornoz when by reason of his absence and the confusion of the times it was given to others and now those Prelates retain nothing but the bare Title King Alonso being at Burgos desired to be reconciled to the King of Leon with whom he had been offended ever since he put away his Daughter Berengaria Both Kings met at Valladolid where all differences were composed and particularly they agreed that Carpio and Monterey should be demolished because there arose Debates about them This done the King of Leon returned to his Country taking along with him by the consent of the King of Castile James Lopez de Haro to employ him in his Wars against the Moors James de Haro was then in great Repute so besides his Son a good number of Men follow'd him desiring to serve under so experienced a General The King of Castile tho' old would not slip the opportunity of making his advantage of the Moors under a consternation for their late losses The King of Leon began the War in that part of old Lusitania now called Estremadura where having plundred and wasted all the Country he took from the Moors a Town of Alcantara seated on the Banks of Tagus which he gave to the Knights of Calatrava This was the Original of the Knights of Alcantara at first subject to the Order of Calatrava now independant of them having obtained a Bull from Pope Julius II. to that effect The Habit of Calatrava formerly was a Scapular with a Hood over their Cloths like the Fryers since Pope Benedict XIII changed it and instead of the Hood they wear a red Cross Fleury Those of Alantara wear the same form of Cross but green on a white Cloak Both observe the Rule of S. Bernard and are subject to the Order of Cistercians Alonso King of Castile advanced with his Forces as far as Baeça which the Moors had again recovered and laid Siege to that City after ravaging all the open Country Jame Lopez de Haro the War of Estremadura being ended came thither Tho' they made their utmost Efforts yet could they not take that City for want of
some security for their Impartial Administration of the Government but no Bonds can contain Ambitious Spirits As soon as they were put into Power D. Alvaro the eldest of the three Brothers departed from Burgos where this Act of Renunciation was perform'd The first thing he did was to Banish certain Noblemen then he seized upon all publick Revenues and spar'd not those of the Church From lay Patrons who had the right of presenting to Benefices he took that Priviledge upon pretence of restoring the immunities of the Church He did all things by open force without any regard to the Laws or good of the Publick His Extravagancies were such as oblig'd Roderick Dean of Toledo and the Archbishop's Vicar to Excommunicate him This check drew him back a little and he made some reparation of damages yet his Mind was not alter'd He summoned the Cortes or Parliament to Valladolid whether resorted for the most part such as were of his Faction who in the name of the whole Kingdom only study'd to secure him the Government Many of the Nobility were offended that D. Alvaro should thus Usurp all the Power Particularly Lope de Haro Son to James de Haro and D. Gonzalo Ruiz Giron the Lord High-Steward resented this disorderly proceeding and having consulted together had recourse to Queen Berengaria complaining against her for resigning the Government and advising to reassume it before all things were brought to destruction Their words mov'd the Queen yet being a Woman she durst not oppose so great a Power as theirs was who had the Command of all the Forces in the Kingdom Therefore fearing least Violent Councils might produce greater mischiefs she thought it the best expedient to put the Three Brothers of Lara in Mind of the Oath they had taken when they entred upon the Goverment which they had much infringed This Admonition only served the more to provoke D. Alvaro who thereupon not only seiz'd upon the Queen's Lands but Commanded her to depart the Kingdom The Queen to prevent further mischief with her Sister Ellenor retired to the strong Castle of Otella near Palencia Many of the Nobility declar'd for her and continued firm till the Death of the King her Brother All this tended to an open breach and to increase the Division the Office of High-Steward was taken from D. Gonçalo Giron and given to Ferdinand de Lara D. Alvaro's Brother The King tho' young lik'd not these proceedings and studied how to make his escape to his Sister but it was in vain for D. Alvaro kept strict watch upon him Besides the more to gain his Favour he allured him with pleasures and talk'd of Marrying him To this purpose Embassadors were sent to conclude a Match for him with Malfada Sister to King Alonso of Portugal The Nuptials were Celebrated at Palencia Queen Berengaria was much concern'd at it because the King was so Young Therefore she writ to the Pope informing him how near of Kin the Marry'd Couple were The Pope upon this information appointed Tello Bishop of Palencia and Maurice of Burgos Commissioners to examine that affair and in case they found it as the Queen said to disannul the Marriage As soon as the Bishops received the Pope's Bull they examined the affair and finding the Kindred to be as had been said order'd them to be divorc'd Thus the Bride still a Virgin as is believ'd return'd to Portugal where in the Monastery of Rucha built by herself she spent the rest of her Life much afflicted not only for that disgrace but because D. Alvaro had presumed to offer to Marry her himself This in Castile in the Year of Grace 1216. in which dy'd Pope Innocent III. inferior to few of his Predecessors for Piety and Learning Honorius III. a Native of Rome succeeded him in whose time dy'd in that City Mary Queen of Aragon Mother to King Jaime Her Body was bury'd in the Vatican near the Tomb of St. Petronila In her Will she recommended her Son and Kingdom to the Pope as Universal Father That Kingdom being divided into Factions and the King being so Young stood in need of such Protection which that Pope afforded it as long as he liv'd At this time Raymund Earl of Provence being invited by his Subjects made his escape from the Castle of Monçon where he was kept as a Prisoner with the King of Aragon and getting safe into his Country appeased many differences that were among the Nobility for want of a Head every one striving to have a hand in the Government Thomas Earl of Maurienne of the House of Savoy had a Daughter called Beatrix who was Marry'd to this Raymund Earl of Provence By her he had Four Daughters three of them Marry'd to Kings and the fourth to an Emperor Raymund's Escape was the cause the King of Aragon was set at Liberty William Monredon Master of the Templers fear'd the King might in like manner be taken from him and then others would reap the benefit of setting him at Liberty whilst he should undergo the blame of having kept him confin'd He therefore consulted with Peter de Açagra Lord of Albaracin and with Peter Ahones both Men in great Power who joyn'd with themselves Aspargus Archbishop of Tarragona and William of Taraçona These in the Month of September resolved to set the King at Liberty and commit the Government of the Kingdom to him notwithstanding he was but Nine Year of Age and took an Oath to bind themselves to the performance hereof This was not done so privately but that Sancho the King's Unkle who then governed the Kingdom had notice of it and in a rage threatned to wash the way the King was to go with Blood With this resolution he march'd with a good Body of Men to Selga a Town on the road the King was to take This being known affrighted the King so that tho' in that tender Age he put on a Coat of Mail to fight if there were occasion D. Sancho tho' he could not have failed of success there being so small a Number with the King durst not attack them and the King having escap'd that danger went on to Huesca and thence to Zaragoca There and in all places he was received with great Joy all Men hoping his Liberty would put an end to the publick Calamities For the establishing of good Order it was requisite to raise Money the Revenues being wasted in the late troubles This want was supply'd by the Catalonians who raised the Tax called Bovaticum because it is laid on Oxen and other Cattle It is rare that this Tax is laid and notwithstanding King Peter had levy'd it three times yet it was now granted to his Son Jaime in the Year of Grace 1217. By these Means a sufficient Fund of Money was Furnished to supply the King's Wants and raise Forces to quell any Insurrection CHAP. V. Great disorders in Castile raised by the Family of Lara Young King Henry killed by the
The King flush'd with his former Success marched to Albarazin a small but very strong Place being encompassed with Rocks and almost surrounded by the River Turia commonly called Guadalaviar Two Months in the heat of Summer the King lay before it and was forced at last to raise the Siege Nevertheless Peter Fernandez de Açagra was soon after restored to the Kings favour All the Nobility interceded for him his own Services were a great recommendation and the King was willing to gain so considerable a Man These things were done in Aragon in the Year 1220. In Castile the same Year on S. Andrew's Day the Marriage of King Ferdinand with Beatrix Daughter to the late Emperor Philip was Celebrated Embassadors had been sent to Treat of this match to the Emperor Frederick II. after four Months delay it was concluded In France the Bride was entertained by King Philip with great Liberality Queen Berengaria went as far as the Borders of Biscay to receive her and at the end of a whole Year spent in this Negotiation they all arrived at Burgos the place appointed for this Solemnity Maurice Bishop of that City perform'd the Ceremony and the day before had said Mass in his Pontificalibus during which the King Knighted himself there being none worthy to perform that Act as was the Custom of those times This match prov'd fortunate in a numerous Issue for they had Seven Children viz. Alonso Ferderick Philip Sancho Emanuel Ellenor who dy'd Young and Berengaria who was a Nun in the Monastery of Huelgas near Burgos At the same time the Aragonians desiring to secure the Succession of the Crown sent Embassadors to Queen Berengaria to Treat of a match betwixt their King and her Sister Ellenor This Proposal being very advantagious to her was easily accepted and the Town of Agreda on the Bordors of Castile and Aragon appointed to Celebrate the Nuptials Queen Berengaria came first with her Sister and soon after King Jaime with a Noble retinue The Marriage was Celebrated in the Year 1221. yet the Bride the King being yet very young continued a Maid a year and half after as he himself relates in the History he writ of his own Life On the 20th of June Roderick Archbishop of Toledo consecrated the Church of S. Romanus in the highest part of that City Upon the 23d of November was born King Ferdinand's Eldest Son called Alonso About the beginning of December a great Earthquake shook many Buildings and mighty Floods and Winds following upon it part of the Walls and many Houses fell down These things were the more terrible because the City being high and built upon Rocks seem'd the safer against such disasters Navarre Portugal and Leon now enjoy'd Peace The Moors wasted themselves with Civil Wars In Castile and Aragon there were some Commotions but not considerable Roderick Lord of Cameros a Man in great Power confiding in his strength presum'd to pillage the Country about him Being summon'd by the King to Answer for himself he Answer'd he had taken the Cross in Order to go to the War in the Holy-Land This was a common excuse in those times the Pope's among other priviledges having granted that such as wore the Cross should not be Try'd before the Civil Magistrate but in the Spiritual Courts But that shift availed him nothing for he was constrained to appear at Valladolid whither the Court was remov'd from Burgos and being accused of many Crimes he fled He was attainted and his Estate Confiscated Yet being a resolute Man he fortified himself in the strong holds he had wherefore to prevent a War he was not only Pardon'd but 14000 Duccats given him to quit those Towns he held for the King After this follow'd another revolt D. Gonzalo Nunez de Lara who only remained of the Three Brothers perswaded D. Gonçalo Perez Lord of Molina to invade the Neighbouring Country about him hoping by these troubles to be restor'd to his Country for he was in Barbary ever since the Death of his Brother Ferdinand having gone thither with him Some action there was but not considerable for the Lord of Molina perceiving the danger he was in begg'd pardon and obtain'd it through the intercession of Queen Berengaria Thus D. Gonzalo de Lara despairing of succeess went into Andaluzia where among the Moors at Baeça he ended his Days neither Godly nor Honourably Such was the end of those Three Brothers from whom is descended the Family of Manriquez well known in Spain It was now the Year 1222. when the King of Leon gathering a great Army as well of Soldiers in pay as those who taking the Cross served upon their own expence entred Estremadura and laid Siege to Caceres The Moors to raise the Siege promised a great sum of Money they expected out of Africk but having obtained their ends performed not and we were not in a Condition then to force them About this time Maurice an Englishman and Bishop of Burgos laid the Foundation of the Cathedral of that City and finish'd it Many other Churches and Stately Buildings were erected in several parts of Spain Eleven Years before this we now write of Roderick Archbishop of Toledo built the great Church of Talavera D. John Chancellor to the King erected two Churches one at Valladolid and the other at Osma when he was Bishop of that See D. Nun̄o Bishop of Astorga raised the Bishop's Palace in that City D. Laurence Bishop of Orense built a Bridge over the River Min̄o the Cathedral and Episcopal Palace Stephen Bishop of Tuy and Martin of Zamora spent their Revenues in such like works The King and the Queen his Mother Liberally adorned those Churches and by their example stirred up the Prelates to lay out the profits of their Benefices in the Service of the Church Let us return to the Course of the History In July dy'd Roger Earl of Faux his Son Roger Bernard succeeded him In August following Raymund Earl of Toulouze departed this Life both favourers of the Heresie of the Albigenses and therefore excommunicated for which reason the Son and Heir to the Earl of Toulouze could never obtain leave to bury his Father's Body in hollow'd ground In Aragon the King on the 21th of December pardoned Gerard Viscount Cabrera who during the troubles had possessed himself by force of the Earldom of Vrgel spoiling Aurembiasse of the Patrimony left him by his Father Armengaud This was done upon Condition he should stand to the Judgment that should be given betwixt that Lady and him Sancho Earl of Russillon the King's Unkle was still Living His Son Nun̄o governed that Country with whom William of Moncada Lord of Bearn tho' they were before great Friends being offended he entred the Lands of Russillon doing great harm Nun̄o not able to oppose him had recourse to the King of Aragon offering to stand to Arbitration and make reparation of any damage should be laid to his
charge The King warn'd Mancada to forbear violence and stand to judgment and he refusing invaded his Lands so furiously that he took from him 130 Towers and Castles and the Town of Cervellon near Barcelona The Castle of Moncada being strongly fortified and William himself in it could not be so easily carry'd Thus much in the Year 1223. in which on the 15th of July dy'd Philip King of France at Medun His Son Luis VIII Husband to Blanch of Castile and Father to S. Luis succeeded him The Year following Alonso II. Sirnamed the Fat King of Portugal deceased at Coimbra and was buryed in the Monastery of Alcobaça near his Wife D. Vrraca in a mean Tomb as was used in those days He left Three Sons Sancho Sirnamed Capelo his Successor Alonso who Marry'd Maud Countess of Bologne in France and Ferdinand Lord of Serpa who Marry'd Sancha the Daughter of Ferdinand de Lara He also left one Daughter called Ellenor Marryed to the King of Dacia as the Histories of Portugal say I will not dispute the truth of it CHAP. VII King Ferdinand of Castile his great success against the Moors King Jaime of Aragon seized by some Rebellious Nobles makes his escape and Commences War against the Rebels THE Tumults in Castile being over King Ferdinand granted a general Pardon He chose the Wisest and most Virtuous Persons to commit the Government of the Cities to and was a mortal Enemy to Hereticks for some of the Albigenses had crept into Spain These good qualities had gained him the Love of his Subjects and he to improve it resolved to make War upon the Moors The People of Cuenca Huete Moya and Alarcon understanding his design Assembl'd together and entring the Kingdom of Valencia brought thence a rich Booty On the other side the King marched towards Andaluzia and when he had passed Sierra Morena Embassadors met him from Mahomet King of Baeça offering to surrender the City and furnish Provisions and Money Having signed Articles the Army moved to Quesada a Town of note now in the Government of Caçorla At first the Inhabitants relying on the strength of their Walls defended themselves but the place was taken by Assault all that could bear Arms put to the Sword and the rest to the number of 7000 made Slaves This slaughter was a Terror to others It were tedious to relate the particulars of this expedition In short many Towns were abandoned by the Moors many surrended Of them some were destroyed others