Sancho Jiménez facts for kids

Sancho Jiménez, also known as Sancho Jimeno or Sancho Ximeno, was a brave military leader in Spain during the 1100s. He was nicknamed 'Hunchback' by Christians and Abū-Barda’a by Muslims. Sancho Jiménez was the captain of the militias (local armies) from the city of Ávila. He was famous for his strong attacks and raids into areas controlled by Muslims.

Biography

Sancho Jiménez took part in at least 25 battles between 1140 and his death in 1173. A Muslim historian named Ibn Şāhib al-Salāh wrote about him. He said Sancho Jiménez "made the Muslims drink a bitter cup of suffering." But the historian also called him a "courageous and tireless leader."

These raids by Christian towns were usually led by local captains like Sancho. They involved small groups of horsemen. If successful, they would take things like cattle and slaves as valuable items, called 'booty'. Some people have compared Sancho Jiménez to Muño Alfonso. Muño Alfonso was a governor who also led the Ávila militias before Sancho.

Between 1157 and 1158, a group led by Sancho Jiménez raided the area near Seville. In 1173, he was defeated by a Muslim army. This army was led by Ġanim ben Muhammad and his brother Hilăl. The battle happened near a place called Caracuel.

Sancho Jiménez was returning from a raid in Seville's territory. His Ávila militias had reportedly taken a lot of valuable items. They had captured 50,000 sheep, 1,200 cows, and 150 Muslim slaves. After his defeat, his head was cut off. It was sent to Seville on April 5, 1173. There, it was put on display at the city gates.