Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar (El Cid)

Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, famously known as El Cid, was a 11th-century Spanish nobleman and military leader. He served both Christian and Muslim rulers during the Reconquista, a period of Christian efforts to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule. Known for his bravery, skill, and strategic mind, El Cid became a legendary figure representing loyalty and martial excellence. His most famous achievement was capturing the city of Valencia, which he ruled until his death. His life and deeds are celebrated in Spanish literature and history, symbolizing heroism, loyalty, and the complex political landscape of medieval Spain.