Almanzor (al-Mansur)

Vizier and effectively the ruler of Muslim Spain from 978 to 1002. Beginning his career in the administration of Cordoba, he rose to become vizier under the young caliph Hisham II in 976. He fought 52 campaigns against the Christians, achieving suzerainty over Navarre in 982 and defeating Leon in 984. Almanzor fostered Christian unity in Spain by his aggression against the northern kingdoms.