Abd al-Rahman III was an Umayyad prince who reigned as Emir of Cordoba, and later Caliph of Cordoba, from 912 to 961 CE. His reign is remembered as a golden age of Muslim Spain and Umayyad rule, epitomized by his declaration of the second Umayyad Caliphate in 929 CE. He re-established one unified Muslim state in Spain and presided over the expansion of his capital at Cordoba as well as the founding of the impressive caliphal palace at Madinat al-Zahra.
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Timeline
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18 Dec 890Abd al-Rahman III is born in Cordoba.
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912Death of 'Abd Allah, Emir of Cordoba.
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912 - 961Reign of Abd al-Rahman III.
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912Abd al-Rahman III becomes the Emir of Cordoba.
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915The autonomous Muslim leader Umar ibn Hafsun surrenders to the Umayyad forces of Abd al-Rahman III.
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916Abd al-Rahman III leads a campaign against the Kingdom of León.
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924Umayyad forces sack the Navarrese capital of Pamplona.
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928The rebel city of Bobastro falls to Abd al-Rahman III.
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929Abd al-Rahman III retakes the Lower March, including the city of Merida.
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929Abd al-Rahman III declares himself caliph, transforming the Emirate of Cordoba into the Caliphate of Cordoba.
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932Abd al-Rahman III retakes the city of Toledo from its regional warlord.
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934Abd al-Rahman III leads a northern campaign against Zaragoza, Navarre, and León and receives the submission of Navarre.
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936Abd al-Rahman III establishes the new Umayyad palace of Madinat al-Zahra outside of Cordoba.
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937Abd al-Rahman III retakes the city of Zaragoza from its autonomous ruler, Muhammad ibn Hashim al-Tujibi.
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939Leónese forces defeat the Umayyads at the Battle of Simancas (also known as the Battle of Alhandega).
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940Peace treaty between the Caliphate of Cordoba and the Kingdom of León.
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950Barcelona becomes a vassal of Abd al-Rahman III of Cordoba.
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957Umayyad forces raid Navarre and León.
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958The kings of Navarre and León become vassals of Abd al-Rahman III.
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961Abd al-Rahman III dies.
