Abd al-Malik Imad ad-Dawla facts for kids

ʿAbd al-Malik ibn Aḥmad ibn Hūd Imād ad-Dawla (Arabic: أبو مروان عبد الملك بن أحمد بن هود عماد الدولة) was an important ruler from a long time ago. He was also known by his special name, Imad al-Dawla. This name means "Pillar of the Dynasty" in Arabic. He was the fifth and last king from the Hudid family to rule a small kingdom called the Taifa of Zaragoza. This was in what is now Spain. He ruled for a very short time in the year 1110.

Becoming King and Facing Challenges

ʿAbd al-Malik became king in 1110 after his father, Al-Musta'in II, died. His kingdom, the Taifa of Zaragoza, was facing many problems. Two strong groups, the Almoravids and the Aragonese, were constantly attacking.

To protect his kingdom, ʿAbd al-Malik had to ask for help from Castile. This meant he became like a junior partner or "vassal" to Castile. He had to follow their lead in some ways.

Losing Zaragoza and Creating a New Home

Despite his efforts, the Almoravids were very powerful. In 1110, they managed to conquer the city of Zaragoza. This meant the Taifa of Zaragoza, as a large kingdom, came to an end.

After losing Zaragoza, Imad al-Dawla did not give up. He found safety in a very strong fortress called Rueda de Jalón. This fortress was almost impossible to attack at that time. Here, he created a much smaller kingdom, sometimes called a "microstate."

Continuing the Fight and His Legacy

From his new home in Rueda de Jalón, ʿAbd al-Malik continued to fight against the Almoravids. He kept resisting them for many years.

Later, in 1118, the Aragonese king Alfonso the Battler managed to conquer Zaragoza. This was a big change in the region. ʿAbd al-Malik lived until 1130. After he died, his son, Zafadola, took over as ruler of the small kingdom in Rueda de Jalón.

See also

In Spanish: Abdelmálik para niños