Abd Ar-Rahman I Emir from 756, founder of the Cordoban Umayyad dynasty, which ruled most of Spain until 1031, and of an emirate on the Iberian Peninsula. Grandson of Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik, the tenth Umayyad caliph (reigned from 724 to 743). Unlike his two predecessors, he was the founder of the Umayyad dynasty, which ruled most of Spain until 1031, and of the emirate on the Iberian Peninsula. Date of Birth: .

Content:

1. Abd al-Rahman I, Founder of the Umayyad Dynasty of Cordoba
2. Arrival in Spain
3. Rise to Power and Establishment of the Emirate
4. Defense Against the Abbasids
5. Conflict with the Franks
6. Reign as Emir
7. Leadership and Diplomacy
8. Construction and Legacy
9. Descendants
10. Sulayman(c. 745 - c. 800)

Abd al-Rahman I, Founder of the Umayyad Dynasty of Cordoba

Early Life and Exile

In 750 AD, the Abbasids overthrew the Umayyad dynasty in the Middle East. Abd al-Rahman I, the grandson of the tenth Umayyad caliph, was forced to flee with his family. They faced dangerous pursuit and had to leave behind several members.

Arrival in Spain

Seeking refuge, Abd al-Rahman traveled to Africa and then to Spain, where the Umayyad name still held influence. In 755, he landed on the Iberian Peninsula and rallied support against the ruling emir.

Rise to Power and Establishment of the Emirate

Conquest of Cordoba

In 756, Abd al-Rahman defeated the emir of Cordoba and captured the city. He declared himself emir, establishing the Umayyad dynasty of Cordoba, which would rule over much of Spain for centuries to come.

Defense Against the Abbasids

In 763, the Abbasid caliph attempted to annex Spain. Abd al-Rahman led a decisive counterattack, routing the caliph's forces and securing his independence.

Conflict with the Franks

Despite a treaty with the Frankish king Charlemagne, Abd al-Rahman faced a rebellion instigated by Charlemagne and the local Berber tribes. However, the rebellion fell apart due to premature action and Charlemagne's withdrawal, leaving the Franks defeated at the Battle of Roncevaux Pass.

Reign as Emir

Military Campaigns and Resistance

Abd al-Rahman's reign was marked by numerous wars, both against rival Arab factions and the indigenous population. He successfully suppressed rebellions and expanded his control over Spain.

Leadership and Diplomacy

Abd al-Rahman was known for his bravery, military acumen, and diplomatic skills. He managed to unite a divided populace, earning praise for his understanding of human nature.

Construction and Legacy

During his 32-year reign, Abd al-Rahman initiated significant architectural projects, including the Great Mosque of Cordoba, a symbol of Umayyad power and artistry. He also built roads, bridges, and hospitals, leaving a lasting impact on the Iberian landscape.

Descendants

Abd al-Rahman's descendants ruled the Umayyad dynasty of Cordoba after his death:

Sulayman(c. 745 - c. 800)

Omar(?)
Hisham I(757 - 17 April 796), emir of Cordoba from 788 to 796
Abd Allah

Dynasty

Friedrich Wilhelm	Rockefeller family	Henriette Belgium
Henry Grosmont	Alaungpaya	James Rothschild