Almansour, Muhammad (952-1002). Abi ëmir, correctly known as Al-Manßür (‘the Victorious’), was the last ruler of Muslim Spain to pose a threat to the survival of the Christian kingdoms. Born into an ancient but not powerful Arab family from Algeciras, he began his political career in the household of the wife of the Umayyad Caliph al-akam II (961-76). When the caliph died, his son and heir Hisham was only 8 years old and within three years of ruthless manoeuvring, Almansour had disposed of his rivals and made himself effectively military dictator.
He used his position to launch attacks on the Christian north almost every year until his death in 1002. These attacks were certainly damaging and they culminated in the sack of Santiago de Compostela in 999, but no attempt seems to have been made at systematic conquest or occupation of new territory. Their purpose was partly propaganda, to establish his reputation as a leader of the jihad and so justify his effective usurpation of power. When he died, the Christians had survived the onslaught and within a decade were on the offensive in the beginnings of the Reconquista. Almansour, on the other hand, by undermining the prestige of the Umayyad dynasty, had paved the way for the long-term fragmentation and defeat of Muslim Spain. Even his enemies acknowledged that he was a fine natural warrior. It was said that on returning from campaign each year he would have his mail shirt shaken out over a chest, so that he could eventually be buried in the dust of all his campaigns. A lofty peak overlooking the Tagus bears his name.
— Hugh Kennedy/Richard Holmes
