field, surrounded by the evidences of their valor, the Christians were assembled, and a Te Deum was chanted by the prelates, who returned thanks to God for their unexpected deliverance. The greater part of the spoil was abandoned to his princely associates by Alfonso, whose pride was content with the glory of success; and well it might be, for Castile, hitherto an insignificant principality, was now destined to the enjoyment of more than imperial authority. The value of the horses and camels, magnificent robes, costly weapons, and gold and silver utensils was inestimable. For two days the Christian fires were lighted with the arrows and lances of the enemy, and even then the supply was far from exhausted. A portion of the massive chain which encircled the Sultan’s tent was carried to Pampeluna, where, as a votive offering, it is still suspended before the high altar of the Cathedral; and its emblem, “or, on a field gules,” was long conspicuous in the blazonry of the royal escutcheons of Spain, France, and Navarre. CHAPTER XIX THE PROGRESS OF THE CHRISTIAN ARMS 1212–1252 General Disorder in the Peninsula--Aggressive Policy of the Christians--Capture of Ubeda--Al-Mamun--Rise of Mohammed-Ibn-Hud--Merida taken by the King of Leon--Prosperity of Barcelona--Jaime I. of Aragon--Siege of Majorca--Terrible Sack of that City--Extinction of the Almohades--Siege and Capture of Cordova by Ferdinand--Valencia surrenders to the King of Aragon--Character of the Struggle between Christian and Moslem--Xativa--Its Prosperity--Murcia becomes the Property of Castile--Xativa acquired by Aragon--Death and Character of Jaime--Rise of the Kingdom of Granada--Its Wealth and Literary Culture--Ferdinand captures Jaen---Mohammed-Ibn-Ahmar, King of Granada, renders Homage to Ferdinand--Seville invested by the Castilians--Great Strength of that City--Its Obstinate Defence--It is reduced by Famine--Character of Ferdinand the Saint.