Immobility of the African Race--Its Hostility to Civilization--Its Pernicious Influence on the Politics of the Western Khalifate--Character of Suleyman--Invasion of Ali--He ascends the Throne--His Tyranny--He is assassinated--Abd-al-Rahman IV. succeeds Him--Yahya--Abd-al-Rahman V.--Mohammed--Hischem III.--Organization of the Council of State--Ibn-Djahwar, the Minister--His Talents and Power--Abul-Kasim-Mohammed, Kadi of Seville--Berber Conspiracy--The Impostor Khalaf is raised to the Throne as Hischem II.--Almeria--The Vizier Ibn-Abbas--Influence of the Jews at Granada--The Rabbi Samuel-- Rivalry of Granada and Almeria--Abu-al-Fotuh--Motadhid ascends the Throne of Seville--His Cruel and Dissolute Character--His Collection of Skulls--Badis, King of Granada--Increasing Power of Castile--Valencia and Malaga--Atrocities of the Christians at Barbastro 77 CHAPTER XVII WARS WITH THE CHRISTIANS; THE ALMORAVIDES Dissensions in Castile--Alfonso the Guest of the Emir of Toledo--Civilization of that Moorish Capital--Motamid, Prince of Seville--His Prodigality--Valencia and Murcia become subject to Mamun--Motamid takes Cordova--Military Genius of Alfonso VI.--The Famous Game of Chess--Siege of Toledo--Capitulation of that City--Depredations of Bands of Outlaws--Danger and Distress of the Moslems--Rise of the Almoravides--Their Fanaticism and Prowess--They conquer Northern Africa--The Spanish Emirs appeal to Yusuf--He crosses the Strait--Rout of the Christians at Zallaca--Second Expedition of Yusuf--His Popularity--He claims the Sovereignty of the Peninsula--The Cid: His Character and His Exploits--He serves the Emir of Saragossa--He obtains Control of Valencia--Revolt and Siege of that City--Cruelties of the Cid--Death of Yusuf--Greatness of the Almoravide Empire--Accession of Ali--Demoralization of the Conquerors 159 CHAPTER XVIII THE EMPIRE OF THE ALMOHADES