Aftasid dynasty facts for kids

The Aftasid dynasty (Arabic: بنو الأفطس Banu al-Aftas) was a family of rulers. They were an Arabized group of Iberian-Berber people. They ruled a kingdom called the Taifa of Badajoz in Al-Andalus. This was a part of Spain and Portugal under Muslim rule.

The Aftasid Dynasty: A Kingdom in Al-Andalus

When the powerful Caliphate of Cordoba broke apart, many smaller kingdoms formed. These were known as Taifa kingdoms. In 1022, a Berber soldier named Abdallah ibn Al-Aftas took control of Badajoz. He had served the previous ruler, Sabur al-Khatib.

Abdallah ibn Al-Aftas added al-Mansur Billah to his name. This means "Victorious by Grace of God." He ruled a large area from the Douro River to the Tagus River. This new kingdom was called the Taifa of Badajoz. Abdallah ibn Al-Aftas ruled until he died in 1045.

Growth and Challenges

After Abdallah ibn Al-Aftas, his son Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Abdallah al-Muzzaffar ruled. Then his two sons, 'Umar ibn Muhammad al-Mutawakkil and Yahya ibn Muhammad al-Mansur, took over. Under their rule, the Taifa of Badajoz grew even larger. It covered big parts of western Spain and Portugal.

Badajoz also became a very important center for Islamic culture. The Aftasid rulers supported learning and the arts. However, in 1055, Badajoz had to accept the rule of the Kingdom of León-Castile. This meant they had to pay tribute to them.

The Taifa of Badajoz also lost control of some of its land. Areas south of the Mondego River were lost. The Abbadid dynasty from Seville also took some of their territory.

The End of the Aftasid Rule

In 1094, the Almoravid dynasty took over the kingdom. The Almoravids were a powerful group from North Africa. Their general, Abu Bakr, captured Badajoz in late 1095. The people of Badajoz were tired of the high taxes from their ruler, Umar ibn Muhammad al-Mutawakkil. They helped the Almoravids take the city.

Al-Mutawakkil and two of his sons, Al-Fadl and S'ad, were captured. They were sent to Seville, but they were killed before they arrived. Another son, Al-Mansur, managed to escape. He hid in the castle of Montanchez for some time. Later, he and his followers moved to the lands of Alfonso VI. There, Al-Mansur decided to become a Christian.

Important Aftasid Rulers

Here are some of the main rulers of the Aftasid dynasty:

• Abdallah ibn Al-Aftas (1022-1045)
• Muhammad b. 'Abdallah, Abu Bakr al-Muzaffar (1045-1068)
• Yahya b. Muhammad (1068)
• 'Umar b. Muhammad, Abu Hafs al-Mutawakkil (1068-1094)

See Also

In Spanish: Dinastía aftasí para niños

• Taifa of Badajoz