Torrecid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Torrecid |
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| Native name Spanish: Castillo de Torrecid |
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| Location | Ateca, Spain |
| Type | Non-movable |
| Criteria | archaeological site |
Torrecid was a special kind of temporary fort, called a mota. It was built by a famous Christian hero named El Cid. This fort was located near the town of Ateca in Spain, in the Jalón river valley.
For nearly a thousand years, Torrecid was hidden underground. Recently, archaeologists found it exactly where an old poem, the Cantar de Mio Cid, said it was. This discovery helps us understand more about El Cid's adventures.
Contents
The Story of Torrecid
Torrecid is located on the right side of the Jalón River. It is a very important place in the epic poem, the Cantar de Mio Cid. The fort is in an area now called Torrecil. It sits across from a place called La Mora Encantada, where the Alcocer once stood. The two sites are separated by the Jalón river.
The events described in the poem happened around the year 1081. El Cid and his men camped on a hill for fifteen weeks. This hill is known as Cerro Torrecid or Otero del Cid. The ruins we see today are from this temporary fort.
El Cid's Camp
Torrecid was more like a fortified camp than a strong castle. El Cid had about 300 knights and 300 foot soldiers with him. They would have set up their tents around this small fort. The fort itself was too small to hold everyone.
From this camp, El Cid's army could easily watch Alcocer. Alcocer was just across the Jalón River. This allowed them to keep an eye on their enemies.
What Remains Today
Not much is left of the fort that El Cid's men built so quickly. We can see some low walls made of stone and mud. These walls are only about half a meter high. They show us the shape of the small fortified area.
The fort had a watchtower that was about ten meters tall. The soldiers' tents were placed around this main area. Archaeologists have found parts of seven rooms. They also found many pieces of pottery from the 11th century.
From the ruins of Torrecid, you can still see the remains of the Alcocer across the river. To the right, you can see the town of Terrer. To the left, you can see Ateca. Both towns paid taxes to El Cid during his time.
Protecting This Historic Site
Torrecid is protected by Spanish law. It is considered a "Cultural Interest" site. This means it is an important part of Spanish Historical Heritage. All castles in Spain are protected under a law from 1949 and another from 1985.
See also
In Spanish: Torrecid para niños
