Watch List notes:

UMAYYADS OF SPAIN: Hisham II (AH 366-403). Ar dirham. 1st reign (AH 366-399). al-Andalus AH 392. Citing Tamlij and Amir (Almanzor). 3,25 g. A 354.4. 2nd reign (AH 400-403). al-Andalus AH 401. Citing 'Abd Allah. 3,38 g. A 369.3. AH 401 R. Totalt 2 ex.Almanzor was the de facto ruler of Muslim Iberia (al-Andalus) in the late 10th to early 11th centuries. His rule marked the peak of power for al-Andalus. Almanzor is a major character in the historical novel The Long Ships (Red Orm) by the Swedish author Frans Gunnar Bengtsson. Three chapters of the book take place in Muslim Iberia under Almanzor's rule, depicted from the point of view of Scanian Vikings who are captured by Moors while on a raid into Iberia, serving as galley slaves. Later they become mercenaries in Almanzor's bodyguard and finally manage to escape back to Denmark after participating in the conquest and sacking of Santiago de Compostella. In the book Almanzor is represented as being driven to his ceaseless harrying of the infidel out of guilt for having imprisoned his religious superior; the young Caliph.

Grade: 1+ [VF]

ISLAMIC COINS