History of Islam Vol 3 of 3 by Akbar Shah Najeebabadi

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The History of Islam
other chiefs who had established their independent rule were one by
one either made to obey or killed. The territory of Cordova expanded
and the condition of the country considerably improved. Now the
country that had been divided into scores of fragments rose again as a
mighty Islamic state.
Details of the occupied Christian Territories
A hilly area adjoining the southeastern coast occupied by Ibn Hafsun
had turned Christian. Ibn Hafsun's wide experience had made it a
strong Christian State. However, it had made peace with the central rule
of Cordova. Toledo was a strong and formidable city, which had
become a sovereign state during the period of Sultan Abdullah. The
state was situated in the middle of Spain. There were Christian States in
Barcelona and Catalonia
and Navarre also had a strong State adjoining
Catalonia, which was ruled by the French. Asturias had risen as a very
large State stretching into
Castilq under its sway.
the plains of Spain having Galicia, Leon and
In addition to these, several small Christian States were established on
the Portuguese coast on the
Galicia.
Atlantic Ocean and were subordinate to
These conquered Christian territories fell within the bounds of
Spain. Besides those mentioned, there were Christian states of
southeastern France, western France and northern France, which were
bent on opposing Spain. The only comer of Muslim rule stretching out
towards the north was Saragossa, which was ruled over by a Muslim
governor. He had friendly relations with the Christians and nobody
objected to it for Sultan Abdullah and Alfonso HI themselves had signed
a peace treaty, which was violated by none.
Getting rid of all the rebels within a few years Sultan Abdur Rahman III
invaded Toledo. Before the invasion, the Sultan sent word to the people
of Toledo to obey him and join his camp. Toledo gave a bitter reply and
started making military preparation of large proportions besides asking
the Christians everywhere to rise up to save Toledo. Sultan Abdur
Rahman marched on Toledo with the utmost care and caution. The
Sultan conquered Toledo after a concerted effort, striving and fighting
for about one year. He treated the conquered kindly and softly and
returned to Cordova after putting the administrative affairs of Toledo