Taifa of Valencia

Taifa of Valencia
1010–1238
Taifa Kingdom of Valencia, c. 1037
Taifa Kingdom of Valencia, c. 1037
CapitalValencia
Common languagesArabic, Mozarabic, Berber
Religion
Islam (official), Christianity (Roman Catholicism), Judaism
GovernmentMonarchy
Historical eraMiddle Ages
• Established
1010
• Annexed by Taifa of Toledo
1065
• Conquered by El Cid
1094
• Annexed by the Almoravids
1102
• Independence from the Almoravids
1145
• Annexed by the Almohads
1172
• Independence from the Almohads
1228/9
• Conquered by Aragon
1238
CurrencyDirham and Dinar
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Caliphate of Cordoba
Almoravid Empire
Almohad Caliphate
Crown of Aragon
Kingdom of Valencia
Today part ofSpain

The Taifa of Valencia (Arabic: طائفة بلنسية) was a medieval Muslim kingdom which existed in and around Valencia, Spain. It gained independence from the Caliphate of Córdoba circa 1010 and became its own small kingdom, or Taifa, for most of the 11th century. It was absorbed by the Taifa of Toledo in 1065, which in turn fell to Alfonso VI of León and Castile in 1085. From 1094 to 1099, the kingdom was ruled directly by the Castilian military commander known as El Cid, then by his wife Jimena after his death, until being annexed by the Almoravids in 1102.

Following the collapse of Almoravid power, Valencia became independent again in 1145. From 1147 to 1172, it was under the control of Ibn Mardanish, after which it was annexed by the Almohads. When the Almohads reatreated from al-Andalus, Valencia became independent once again from around 1229 to 1238 under the rule of Zayyan ibn Mardanish. It was finally conquered by the Crown of Aragon in 1238.