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{{Short description|Arab Muslim dynasty (1023–1091)}}
{{History of al-Andalus}}
The '''Abbadid dynasty''' or '''Abbadids''' ({{langx|ar|بنو عباد|Banū ʿAbbād}}) was an [[Arabs|Arab]]<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kennedy |first=Hugh |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NFfJAwAAQBAJ |title=Muslim Spain and Portugal: A Political History of al-Andalus |date=2014 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-317-87041-8 |pages=135 |language=en}}</ref> dynasty from the tribe of [[Banu Lakhm]] of [[al-Hirah]],<ref>{{Cite book |last=Mackintosh-Smith |first=Tim |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Qw-LDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA354 |title=Arabs |date=2019-04-30 |publisher=Yale University Press |isbn=978-0-300-18028-2 |pages=354 |language=en |quote=Some of these rulers were of Arab lineage: the Abbadid mini-dynasty of Seville, for example, were descendants of the pre-Islamic Lakhmid kings of al-Hirah.}}</ref> which ruled the [[Taifa of Seville]] in [[al-Andalus]] following the fall of the [[Caliphate of Cordoba]] in 1031. After the collapse, they were the most powerful [[Taifa]] and before long absorbed most of the others.<ref>{{harvnb|Stearns|2001|p=218}}</ref> Abbadid rule lasted from about 1023 until 1091,<ref name=EB/><ref name=col/> but during the short period of its existence it exhibited singular energy and typified its time.<ref name="EB1911">{{EB1911|inline=1|wstitle=Abbadides|volume=1|pages=8–9|first=David|last=Hannay|author-link=David Hannay (historian)}}</ref>

==Overview==
During their reign, the Abbadids also made significant contributions to the development of science, military technology and medicine.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://about-history.com/the-peak-of-islamic-science-and-technology-during-their-golden-age/=English|title= The Peak of Islamic Science and Technology During Their Golden Age |website=about-History.com|access-date=2023-04-15}}</ref> Their patronage of scholars and researchers helped to create a culture of learning that encouraged scientific inquiry and experimentation. The Abbadids' interest in science is evident in the many scientific works that were written during their reign, including the famous Book of Optics by the polymath Ibn al-Haytham.

In addition to their patronage of the arts, sciences, and literature, the Abbadids also made significant contributions to the development of Islamic law and jurisprudence. They were known for their fair and just rule, and they encouraged the use of Islamic law to settle disputes and conflicts. This helped to create a stable and peaceful society in Andalusia, which was admired by people throughout the Muslim world.

Despite their many achievements, the Abbadids were eventually overthrown by the Almoravids, who were more conservative and orthodox in their interpretation of Islam. The Almoravids saw the Abbadids' tolerance of other religions and cultures as a threat to the purity of Islam, and they were determined to impose their own strict interpretation of the faith on Andalusia. This led to a period of religious and cultural repression that stifled the creative and intellectual energy of the region.

Despite their eventual downfall, the Abbadids left a lasting legacy in Andalusia. They were known for their love of art and architecture, their patronage of literature and science, and their tolerance of other religions and cultures. Their reign helped to create a rich and diverse society that was admired throughout the Muslim world, and their contributions to Islamic law and jurisprudence helped to create a stable and just society in Andalusia. The Abbadids' legacy continues to be celebrated today as an important period in the history of the Iberian Peninsula.

==History==
===Abu al-Qasim Muhammad ibn Abbad (ruled 1023–1042)===
{{main|Abu al-Qasim Muhammad ibn Abbad}}
[[Abu al-Qasim Muhammad ibn Abbad]] ({{reign|1023|1042}}), the ''[[qadi]]'' of [[Seville]], founded the house in 1023.<ref name=EB/>

The Abbadids had not previously played a major role in history though they were of noble pedigree from tribe Lakhm in [[Egypt]] and were among the first Arab Muslim families to settle in [[al-Andalus]] after the [[Umayyad conquest of Hispania]].{{sfn|Soravia|2011}} Abu al-Qasim's father, Isma'il ibn Abbad (died 1023) was named as ''qadi'' of Sevilla by the regent [[Almanzor]], and established his family's leading role in the city: the contemporary historian [[Ibn Hayyan]] reports that his son owned no less than third of Seville's territory, making him by far the richest man in the city.{{sfn|Soravia|2011}}

Abu al-Qasim gained the confidence of the townsmen by playing a major role in the successful resistance to the [[Berber people|Berber]] soldiers of fortune who had grasped at the fragments of the [[Caliphate of Cordoba]].<ref name="EB1911"/> After the Berbers were forced out, he was, by near unanimous voice of the people and prompting of the merchant and nobles, given the reins of power.<ref>{{harvnb|Scott|1977|p=117}}</ref> Initially, he refused the position, worried of the fatal repercussions that could follow failure or the changing of the voice of the people.<ref name=sc118>{{harvnb|Scott|1977|p=118}}</ref> At first, he professed to rule only with the advice of a council formed of the nobles.<ref name="EB1911"/>

Abu al-Qasim's first order of business was to rebuild the military of Seville, which had, in recent times, disappeared. This, he accomplished by first creating recruiting posts in all settlements controlled by Seville. The promise of substantial pay along with promises of unrestricted looting brought many able men to him.<ref name=sc118/> Second, he opened the ranks to all races and social class, as Berbers, Arabs, Christians, and foreigners were all accepted along with slaves from Nubia and Sudan.<ref name=sc119>{{harvnb|Scott|1977|p=119}}</ref> Before the military could become a formidable force, a Berber army from [[Málaga]] was at the gates demanding entrance and fealty, in the form of sons of the richest and most powerful nobles and merchants as hostages. Abu al-Qasim, to show his people his trust in the situation, offered his own son as solitary collateral. This show of bravery, convinced his population to follow him with near zeal, and at this time dismissed the council and began his solitary rule.<ref>{{harvnb|Scott|1977|p=120}}</ref>

From this point on, he was able to make small inroads into the small principalities surrounding him. This began with an alliance forged with the governor of [[Taifa of Carmona|Carmona]].<ref name=sc121>{{harvnb|Scott|1977|p=121}}</ref> His first conquest was Beja, followed by the plunder and subsequent control of the coastal regions from [[Cádiz]] west.<ref name=sc121/> The [[Taifa of Badajoz]] was next as he defeated and captured the son of the emir, and at this early time nearly defeated the [[Taifa of Córdoba]], beaten back at the end by an alliance Cordoba made with the Berbers.<ref name=sc121/>

The Berbers continued to be a thorn in the side of Abu al-Qasim, as they now recognized [[Yahya (Zaragoza)|Yahya]] as their supreme leader, something that had not been accomplished before.<ref>{{harvnb|Scott|1977|p=122}}</ref> At this time, it was apparent to Abu al-Qasim that a coalition was needed to defeat the growing Berber threat; however it was also apparent that he would not be accepted as the head of this coalition of caliphates.<ref>{{harvnb|Scott|1977|p=123}}</ref> Abu al-Qasim was able to procure an imposter who resembled the caliph [[Hisham II]]. This man, who was a mat-maker by trade, had previously been involved in an unsuccessful attempt at trickery. This time the deception was successful and the coalition formed starting with Cordoba, then followed by [[Taifa of Dénia|Dénia]], [[Balearic Islands]], [[Taifa of Tortosa|Tortosa]], and [[Taifa of Valencia|Valencia]].<ref>{{harvnb|Scott|1977|p=127}}</ref> Angered by the growing forces against him, Yahya was lured into an ambush and along with the larger portion of his command killed.<ref>{{harvnb|Scott|1977|p=128}}</ref> When Abu al-Qasim died in 1042 he had created a state which, though weak in itself, appeared strong as compared to its neighbours. He had made his family the recognized leaders of the Andalusian [[Muslim]]s against the neo-Berber element arrayed under the king of [[Granada]].<ref name="EB1911"/>

===Abbad II al-Mu'tadid (ruled 1042–1069)===
{{main|Abbad II al-Mu'tadid}}
[[Abbad II al-Mu'tadid]] (1042–1069),<ref name=EB/> the son and successor of Abu al-Qasim, became one of the most remarkable figures in [[Al-Andalus|Iberian Muslim]] history. He had a striking resemblance to the Italian princes of the later [[Middle Ages]] and the early [[Renaissance]], of the stamp of [[Filippo Maria Visconti]].<ref name="EB1911"/>

Abbad wrote [[poetry]] and loved literature; he also appears as a poisoner, a drinker of wine, a sceptic, and a man treacherous to the utmost degree. Though he waged war all through his reign, he himself very rarely appeared in the field, but directed the generals, whom he never trusted, from his "lair" in the fortified palace, the [[Alcázar]] of [[Seville, Spain|Seville]]. He killed with his own hand one of his sons who had rebelled against him. In 1053, he tricked a number of his enemies, the Berber chiefs of southern al-Andalus, into visiting him, and got rid of them by smothering them in the hot room of a [[Turkish bath|bath]].<ref name="EB1911"/> He then seized their kingdoms of [[Taifa of Arcos|Arcos]], [[Taifa of Morón|Moron]], and [[Taifa of Ronda|Ronda]].<ref name=EB/> He also forcibly annexed the kingdoms of [[Taifa of Mértola|Mertola]], [[Taifa of Niebla|Niebla]], [[Taifa of Saltés and Huelva|Huelva and Saltes]], [[Taifa of Santa Maria do Algarve|Santa Maria do Algarve]], and [[Taifa of Silves|Silves]].<ref name=EB>{{harvnb|Hoiberg|2010|p=8}}</ref>

He habitually preserved the skulls of the enemies he had killed—those of the meaner men to be used as flower-pots, while those of the princes were kept in special chests. He devoted his reign mainly to extending his power at the expense of his smaller neighbours, and in conflicts with his chief rival the king of Granada. These incessant wars weakened the Muslims, to the great advantage of the rising power of the [[Christians|Christian]] kings of [[Kingdom of León|León]] and [[Kingdom of Castile|Castile]], but they gave the kingdom of Seville a certain superiority over the other little states. After 1063 he was assailed by [[Fernando El Magno]] of [[Castile and León]], who marched to the gates of Seville, and forced him to pay tribute.<ref name="EB1911"/> This fealty was so complete, for the remaining two years of Fernando's reign, that Abbad even surrendered the remains of [[Isidore of Seville|St. Isidore]].<ref>{{harvnb|Barton|2004|p=47}}</ref>

===Muhammad al-Mu'tamid (ruled 1069–1095)===
{{main|Al-Mu'tamid ibn Abbad}}

[[File:Al Andalus Dirham 602105.jpg|thumb|right|Coin minted during the reign of al-Mutamid]]

The son of Abbad II, [[Muhammad al-Mu'tamid]] (1069–1095) — who reigned under the title ''al-Mu'tamid'' — was the third and last of the Abbadids.<ref name=EB/> No less remarkable than his father, and more amiable, he also wrote poetry and favoured poets. Al-Mu'tamid went, however, considerably further in patronage of literature than his father, for he chose as his [[favourite]] and [[prime minister]] the poet [[Ibn Ammar (poet)|Ibn Ammar]]. In the end the vanity and folly of Ibn Ammar drove his master to kill him.<ref name="EB1911"/>

Al-Mu'tamid was even more influenced by his favourite wife, [[al-Rumaikiyya]], than by his [[vizier]]. He had met her paddling in the [[Guadalquivir]], purchased her from her master, and made her his wife. The caprices of Romaica, and the lavish extravagance of Abbad III in his efforts to please her, form the subject of many stories;<ref name="EB1911"/> a brief tale of the queen appears in the book '''[[Libro de los ejemplos del conde Lucanor y de Patronio|Libro de los ejemplos del Conde Lucanor y de Patronio]]'' (Book of the examples of Count Lucanor and Patronio), as the tale XXX, ''De lo que aconteció al rey Abenabed de Sevilla con su mujer, Ramaiquía'' (Of What Happened to King Abenabed of Seville with his Wife, Ramaiquía). On the other hand, the stories about Ibn Ammar and Rumaiqiyya that appear in much later western works probably describe imaginary events.

In 1071, al-Mu'tamid took control of [[Taifa of Córdoba|Cordoba]]. This was a weak period of control as he had to re-assert control in 1078 and then lost it permanently in 1081.<ref name=EB/> During this period his vizier [[Ibn Ammar (poet)|Ibn Ammar]] captured [[Taifa of Murcia|Murcia]].<ref name=EB/> This period marked the beginning of the end for the Abbadid dynasty, as the following years saw them growing weaker and weaker due to a number of events: first came the start of hostilities with Alfonso VI, followed by the [[Christians]] succeeding in [[Kingdom of Aragon|Aragon]], [[Taifa of Valencia|Valencia]], and [[Kingdom of Toledo (Crown of Castile)|Toledo]]; finally, domestic Muslims created issues at home.<ref name=EB/> When [[Alfonso VI of León and Castile|Alfonso VI]], from [[Kingdom of Castile|Castile]], took [[Taifa of Toledo|Toledo]] in 1085, Al-Mu'tamid called in [[Yusuf ibn Tashfin]], the Berber [[Almoravid dynasty|Almoravid]] ruler. He had foreseen the probability that the Almoravids might overthrow him; nevertheless, he chose to ally with them. When his son, Rashid, advised him not to call on Yusuf ibn Tashfin, Al-Mu'tamid rebuffed him and famously said,

{{blockquote|text=I have no desire to be branded by my descendants as the man who delivered al-Andalus as prey to the infidels. I am loath to have my name cursed in every Muslim pulpit. And, for my part, I would rather be a camel-driver in Africa than a swineherd in Castile.<ref>{{harvnb|Mu'tamid|1915}}</ref>}}

With the assistance of the Almoravids, they were able to defeat Alfonso in 1086.<ref name=col>{{harvnb|Lagassé|2000|p=2}}</ref> During the six years which preceded his deposition in 1091, Abbasid behaved with valour on the field, but was politically inept and cruel. At the end what he had foreseen happened to him: in 1095 his kingdom was overthrown by [[Yusuf ibn Tashfin]] and Almoravid sympathizers within his city, following which he was deposed.<ref name=col/> He was exiled to [[Morocco]]<ref name=EB/>

Al-Mu'tamid was the father-in-law, through his son, Fath al-Mamun (d. 1091), of Zaida, mistress, and possibly wife, of Alfonso VI of Castile.<ref>{{harvnb|Reilly|1992|p=92}}</ref> She is said by [[Al-Andalus|Iberian Muslim]] sources to have been the daughter-in-law of [[Muhammad Ibn Abbad Al Mutamid|Al Mutamid]], the Muslim King of [[Seville]], wife of his son Abu al Fatah al Ma'Mun, [[Emir]] of [[Córdoba, Spain|Cordoba]],{{CN|date=June 2023}} (d. 1091). Later Iberian [[Christians|Christian]] chroniclers call her Al Mutamid's daughter, but the Islamic chroniclers are considered more reliable.<ref name="ReferenceA">Canal Sánchez-Pagín; Montaner Frutos; Palencia; Salazar y Acha{{incomplete short citation|date=February 2015}}</ref> With the fall of Seville to the [[Almoravid dynasty|Almoravids]], she fled to the protection of [[Alfonso VI of Castile]], becoming his mistress, converting to Christianity and taking the baptismal name of Isabel.<ref name="ReferenceA" />

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}

==Works cited==
* {{cite book | last = Barton | first = Simon | editor-last = Black | editor-first = Jeremy | title = A History of Spain | series = Palgrave Essential Histories | publisher = Palgrave Macmillan | location = New York, NY | year = 2004 | isbn = 0-333-63257-5 | lccn = 2003066374 }}
* {{cite encyclopedia | editor-last = Hoiberg | editor-first = Dale H. | encyclopedia = Encyclopædia Britannica | title = Abbadies | edition = 15th | year = 2010 | publisher = Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. | volume = I: A-Ak - Bayes | location = Chicago, Illinois | isbn = 978-1-59339-837-8 | url-access = registration | url = https://archive.org/details/newencyclopaedia2009ency }}
* {{cite encyclopedia | editor-last = Lagassé | editor-first = Paul | encyclopedia = The Columbia Encyclopedia | edition = 6th | year = 2000 | isbn = 0-7876-5015-3 | publisher = Columbia University Press | location = New York, NY | lccn = 00-027927 | title = Abbadies | url-access = registration | url = https://archive.org/details/columbiaencyclop00laga }}
* {{cite book | author = Mu'tamid | translator = Dulcie Lawrence Smith | title = The poems of Muʹtamid, King of Seville | location = London, UK | year = 1915 | lccn = 82085220 }}
* {{cite book | last = Reilly | first = Bernard F. | title = The Contest of Christian and Muslim Spain: 1031-1157 | publisher = Blackwell | year = 1992 | isbn = 0-6311-6913-X | location = Cambridge, MA | lccn = 91017670 }}
* {{cite book | last = Scott | first = S. P. |author-link=Samuel Parsons Scott | title = History of the Moorish Empire in Europe | volume = II | publisher = AMS Press | location = New York, NY | orig-year = 1904 | year = 1977 | isbn = 0-404-09672-7 | edition = Reprint }}
* {{EI3|last=Soravia|first=Bruna|title=ʿAbbādids|year=2011}}
* {{cite encyclopedia | editor-last = Stearns | editor-first = Peter N. | encyclopedia = The Encyclopedia of World History: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Chronologically Arranged | year = 2001 | publisher = Houghton Mifflin Company | location = Boston, MA | isbn = 0-395-65237-5 | edition = 6th | lccn = 2001024479 | title = g. The Iberian Peninsula }}
* Bennison, A.K. The Almoravid and Almohad Empires. Edinburgh University Press, 2016.
* Kennedy, Hugh. Muslim Spain and Portugal: A Political History of al-Andalus. Routledge, 2014.
* Menocal, Maria Rosa. The Ornament of the World: How Muslims, Jews and Christians Created a Culture of Tolerance in Medieval Spain. Little, Brown and Company, 2002.
* Salma Khadra Jayyusi, ed. The Legacy of Muslim Spain. Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1994.
* Wasserstein, David J. The Rise and Fall of the Party-Kings: Politics and Society in Islamic Spain, 1002-1086. Princeton University Press, 1985.

==Further reading==
* {{cite book | last = Dozy | first = Reinhart | authorlink = Reinhart Dozy | title = Histoire des Musulmans d'Espagne Jusqu'a la Conquête de L'andalousie par les Almoravides (711–1110) | trans-title = History of Muslims in Spain Until the Conquest of Andalucian by the Almoravids | location = Leyde [Leiden] | publisher = E. J. Brill | year = 1861 | volume = II | language = French | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=o2FBAAAAcAAJ&q=Histoire+des+Musulmans+d%27Espagne }}
* {{cite book | last = Dozy | first = Reinhart P. A. | title = Historia Abbadidarum Praemissis Scriptorum Arabum de ea Dynastia Locis Nunc Primum Editis | location = Leiden | year = 1846 | publisher = Luguni Batavorum | trans-title = The history of the Abbadids according to Arabic writers of that dynasty, now published for the first time| lccn = 56052586 | language = Latin }}
* {{Encyclopaedia Islamica|last=Pezeshk|first=Manouchehr|year=2015|title=ʿAbbādids|url=https://referenceworks.brillonline.com/entries/encyclopaedia-islamica/abbadids-COM_0008?s.num=16&s.f.s2_parent=s.f.book.encyclopaedia-islamica&s.q=umayyad}}

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[[Category:Abbadid dynasty| ]]
[[Category:Arab dynasties]]
[[Category:History of Córdoba, Spain]]
[[Category:Taifa of Seville]]