Jimena Díaz facts for kids
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Jimena Díaz (pronounced Hee-MEH-nah DEE-ahz) was an important woman in Spanish history. She was the wife of a famous Spanish hero known as El Cid. She married El Cid (whose real name was Rodrigo Díaz) sometime between 1074 and 1076. After El Cid died in 1099, Jimena became the ruler of the city of Valencia for a few years, until 1102. Her name was often spelled Ximena in old documents, which was pronounced "Shimena" back then.
Contents
Jimena Díaz's Life Story
Early Life and Family
Jimena was the daughter of Diego Fernández, a powerful count from Oviedo. Her mother's name was Cristina. Jimena also had a brother named Fernando Díaz, who was a count in Asturias.
Life with El Cid
After marrying Rodrigo Díaz, Jimena Díaz traveled with her husband. It is not fully clear if she lived with him in the Taifa of Zaragoza during his first time away from home (from 1080 to 1086). During this time, El Cid led an army for the Muslim rulers of Zaragoza.
In 1089, El Cid was sent away from home a second time. During this period, Jimena and her children were held by order of King Alfonso VI of León and Castile. Her children were Cristina, Diego, and María.
Ruling Valencia
Jimena was reunited with El Cid in late 1094. This was after he won the Battle of Cuarte on October 21, which helped him control Valencia. He had conquered Valencia on June 17 of that same year. Jimena stayed with her husband until he died in 1099.
After El Cid's death, Jimena became the ruler of Valencia. She governed the city until 1102. At that time, King Alfonso VI, who was her relative, decided to burn and leave the city. He did this because it was too hard to defend Valencia from the Almoravids, a powerful group from North Africa. King Alfonso VI then took Jimena safely back to Castile. Around this time, in 1101, Jimena Díaz signed a document giving a gift to the Valencia Cathedral.
Later Years and Death
In 1103, Jimena signed another document at the San Pedro of Cardeña Monastery. This document was about selling a monastery she owned to two church officials from Burgos. It is thought that she spent her last years in Burgos or a nearby area.
Jimena Díaz died sometime between 1113 and 1116, most likely in 1116. Of her three children:
- Her son, Diego, died in battle in 1097 while fighting for King Alfonso VI.
- Her daughter, Cristina, married Ramiro Sánchez and became the mother of King García Ramírez of Navarre.
- Her daughter, Maria, married a prince from Aragón and later Ramon Berenguer III, Count of Barcelona.
Where Jimena Díaz Was Buried
Jimena and her husband, El Cid, were first buried at the San Pedro de Cardeña Monastery. During the Napoleonic Wars, their tombs were disturbed. Later, they were reburied in Burgos. Today, their remains rest in the Burgos Cathedral.
See also
In Spanish: Jimena Díaz para niños
