An attempt to break the siege of…

An attempt to break the siege of Valenica in December 1093 had failed.

The Valencians resist Vivar’s forces until starvation finally forces their capitulation on June 17, 1094, by which time El Cid has carved out his own principality on the coast of the Mediterranean.

Officially El Cid rules in the name of Alfonso; in reality, El Cid is fully independent.

The city is both Christian and Muslim, and both Moors and Christians serve in the army and as administrators.

As the new ruler of the city of Valencia and the surrounding region of the same name, El Cid permits freedom of worship and property ownership subject to payment of tribute.

He becomes known as the Cid (lord, “el Cid Campeador”).

In October of 1094, the Almoravids invade, but the Cid’s soldiers repulse the attackers at the Battle of Cuarte outside the city walls, forcing them to flee.