Diego Rodríguez (son of El Cid) facts for kids

Diego Rodríguez (died August 15, 1097) was the only son of the famous Spanish hero, Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, also known as El Cid Campeador, and his wife, Jimena Díaz.

Diego's name first appears in an old book called the Historia Roderici. This book mentions that in 1088, King Alfonso VI of Castile captured El Cid's wife and children. They were released a few weeks later. The book didn't specifically name Diego, but it used words that suggested a boy was among the children. Later, another book from Navarre, the Linaje de Rodrigo Díaz, clearly stated that El Cid and Jimena had one son named 'Diago Royz'.

According to other historical writings, after El Cid captured the city of Valencia in 1094, he told his soldiers to treat the Muslim people living there with the same respect they would show him or his son. This suggests that Diego was also in Valencia at that time. It also means he was old enough to walk around the city by himself.

Both the Estoria de España and the Linaje de Rodrigo Díaz record Diego's death. He died fighting bravely in the army of King Alfonso VI. This battle was against the Almoravids, a group from North Africa. Diego was killed on August 15, 1097, during the Battle of Consuegra.

Since 1997, people in Consuegra have held a special event every year to remember Diego Rodríguez and his sacrifice.