Hisham I of Córdoba

The date of Abd al-Rahman's death is disputed, but is generally accepted to be sometime around 785 through 788.

Abd al-Rahman dies in his adopted city of Córdoba, and is supposedly buried under the site of the Mezquita.

Abd al-Rahman's alleged favorite son is his choice for successor, and will later be known as Hisham I, who, at the beginning of his reign, in 788, faces rebellions from his older brothers, Suleiman and 'Abd Allah.

Abd ar-Rahman's progeny will continue to rule al-Andalus in the name of the house of Umayyad for several generations, with the zenith of their power coming during the reign of Abd al-Rahman III.

Al-Hakam, the current Umayyad emir, is the target of an unsuccessful conspiracy to overthrow him.

He responds with repressive measures and increased taxation.

The Abdication of King Bermudo I After the Battle of Burbia (791 CE)

In his attempt to annex the Kingdom of Asturias, the Umayyad emir organizes two military campaigns:

• One army is tasked with conquering Galicia.
• The other is sent to subdue the western Basque lands.

The Battle of Burbia and Bermudo’s Defeat

Forced to defend against the Arab-Berber invasion of Álava and Galicia, King Bermudo I leads his forces into battle but suffers defeat at the Battle of the Burbia River—likely in El Bierzo—in 791 CE.

While Christian sources do not explicitly name his opponents, the battle appears to be the first major engagement in a series of aggressive Umayyad campaigns against Asturias in the 790s. Muslim chronicles, including Ibn al-Athir and al-Maqqarī, identify the Umayyad commander at Burbia as Yūsuf ibn Bukht.

Bermudo’s Abdication and Legacy

Following his defeat, Bermudo abdicates the throne. The Chronicle of Alfonso III states that he did so voluntarily, "because he was (or remembered he was) a deacon." However, it is also possible that he was forced to abdicate, as was common among Visigothic kings who demonstrated military inadequacy.

Despite his short reign, Bermudo is remembered as a merciful and pious ruler, described in the Chronicle of Albeldaas a "generous and illustrious man."

Succession and Later Life

After Bermudo’s abdication, he is succeeded by Alfonso II. He leaves behind a son, Ramiro I, who will later reign as King of Asturias.

Bermudo reportedly lives for many years after stepping down, possibly as a monk, and maintains good relations with his successor, Alfonso II.

The Umayyad general Abd-al-Màlik ibn Abd-al-Wàhid ibn Mughith is more fortunate on his approach to Carcassonne, where he defeats Louis the Pious' Carolingian mentor William of Orange.

However, surprisingly, the expedition does not advance deeper into Carolingian territory, but results in hefty loot and numerous slaves, which in turn provide the funds to expand the Great Mosque of Cordoba and build many mosques.

Hisham I, faced in 793 with Carolingian penetration south across the western and eastern Pyrenees, calls a jihad against the Christian Franks, sends troops against Girona and Narbonne, but these strongholds stand firm.

Umayyad Raids Against the Kingdom of Asturias (794 CE)

In 794 CE, the Umayyad generals Abd al-Malik and Abd al-Karim ibn Abd al-Wàhid ibn Mughith, acting under Emir Hisham I, launch a series of annual campaigns against the northern Christian kingdoms, targeting Álava, Old Castile, and Asturias.

That same year, they penetrate deep into Asturias, reaching its capital, Oviedo, which they sack. King Alfonso II of Asturias is forced to flee, prompting him to initiate diplomatic contacts with Charlemagne, seeking Frankish support against the Muslim threat.

Objectives of the Raids

Rather than aiming to annihilate the northern Christian kingdoms, these Umayyad expeditions serve multiple strategic purposes:

• Plundering northern Christian territories,
• Reasserting Cordovan military dominance,
• Deterring rebellious Andalusian garrisons and lords prone to breaking away, and
• Undermining the strength of the Kingdom of Asturias and the Basques.

These raids reinforce Umayyad authority in Al-Andalus, demonstrating the military reach of Córdoba while ensuring that neither internal nor external enemies challenge its dominance unopposed.

Hisham I, striving to establish the Islamic way of life in al-Andalus, lives a simple life and avoids regal show and ostentation.

A God-fearing man, he is known for his impartial justice and sound administration.

He is only forty years old when dies in 796 after a rule of eight years.

After his death, the succession of his second son al-Hakam, his elder son having died at an early age, is challenged by al-Hakam’s uncles Sulayman and Abdallah, sons of his grandfather Abd ar-Rahman I.

'Abd Allah returns from exile and claims Valencia and Suleiman claims Tangiers.

When he came to power, Abdallah takes his two sons Ubayd Allah and Abd al-Malik to the court of Charles in Aachen to negotiate for aid.

In the meantime, Sulayman attacks Cordoba, but is defeated and driven back to …

…Mérida, where he is captured and executed.

Al-Hakam pardons Abdallah but forces him to stay in Valencia.