Zaida of Seville facts for kids

Zaida of Seville was a princess from a Muslim kingdom in Spain. She lived from about 1070 to sometime between 1093 and 1107. Zaida became a close companion, and later possibly the wife, of King Alfonso VI of Castile, a Christian ruler.

Historians believe Zaida was connected to the Abbadid family, who ruled the city of Seville. Some old writings from Muslim Spain say she was the daughter-in-law of Al Mutamid, the King of Seville. They say she was married to his son, Abu al Fatah al Ma'mun, who ruled the city of Córdoba. Other Christian writers from later times called her Al Mutamid's daughter. Most historians today think the Muslim writings are more accurate.

Zaida's Journey to King Alfonso

Around 1091, a group called the Almoravids took control of Seville. Zaida had to leave her home for safety. She found protection with King Alfonso VI of Castile. She became his companion and later converted to Christianity. When she was baptized, she took the Christian name Isabel.

Zaida's Son, Sancho

Zaida and King Alfonso VI had a son named Sancho. He was King Alfonso's only son. Even though Sancho was born before his parents were officially married, King Alfonso named him as his heir. This meant Sancho was supposed to become king after his father.

Sadly, Sancho died young in the Battle of Uclés in 1108. This happened while his father, King Alfonso, was still alive.

The Mystery of Queen Isabel

King Alfonso VI had a wife named Isabel. Some historians think that Zaida and Queen Isabel were the same person. This means Zaida might have become Queen Isabel after converting to Christianity. However, other historians believe Queen Isabel was a different person entirely. There is also a theory that King Alfonso had two wives named Isabel, and Zaida was the second one.

Queen Isabel had two daughters with King Alfonso: Elvira and Sancha. If Zaida was Queen Isabel, then Elvira and Sancha would have been her daughters too. Queen Isabel was last mentioned in records in May 1107.

When Did Zaida Die?

It is believed that Zaida died around the time of childbirth. However, it's not clear exactly when. It might have been when her son Sancho was born in 1093. Or it could have been when another child was born, but we don't know about that child. If Zaida was Queen Isabel, she might have died in 1107. This is when Queen Isabel disappears from historical records, possibly after giving birth to one of her daughters, Sancha or Elvira.

There was an old stone marker that mentioned a Queen Isabel. It said: "Queen Isabel, wife of King Alfonso, daughter of Aben-abeth, king of Seville; previously called Zayda." This marker was first in Sahagun and later moved to Leon.

Another old marker mentioned a Queen Isabel as the daughter of Louis, King of France. But there was no French king named Louis at that time. These old markers are not from the time Zaida lived, and historians usually don't consider them fully accurate.

See also

In Spanish: Zaida para niños