Zayyan ibn Mardanish facts for kids
Zayyan ibn Mardanish, also known as Zayán Ibn Mardanix, was an important leader in the history of Valencia. He was the last Muslim king of Valencia before it became part of the Christian Kingdom of Aragon. He was also called Zahén or Çaèn. Zayyan was born in Onda, a town in Spain, and he passed away in Tunisia in 1270. His time as king was during a period called the Reconquista, when Christian kingdoms in Spain were taking back land from Muslim rule.
Zayyan's Story
In 1229, Zayyan became the ruler of Valencia, which was then called Balensiya. He took over from Zayd Abu Zayd, who was the previous Muslim governor. Abu Zayd had decided to become a Christian and then left Valencia. He became a helper to King James I of Aragon, a powerful Christian king.
Abu Zayd's change of loyalty gave King James I a good reason to invade Valencia. This invasion was a big part of the Reconquista. King James I wanted to add Valencia to his kingdom.
Fighting for Valencia
Zayyan was a brave leader and personally led his soldiers in many battles. He fought in the Siege of Burriana, where Christian forces surrounded the city. He also fought in the Battle of the Puig. In this battle, Zayyan's Muslim troops were defeated. This loss made it clear that the Aragonese army would likely take over Valencia.
After the Battle of the Puig, Zayyan continued to defend the city of Valencia. However, he did not receive the help he expected from the Sultan of Tunisia. Because of this, Zayyan and his people had to surrender in 1238.
Leaving Valencia
As part of the surrender agreement, Zayyan promised King James I that he and his followers would leave Valencia. They sailed from the port of Cullera to Tunisia. Zayyan lived the rest of his life in Tunisia and died there in 1270.
See also
In Spanish: Zayyán ibn Mardanish for kids
- List of Valencian monarchs
- Taifa of Valencia
- James I of Aragon
