Almanzor (Al Mansur - "The Victorious)
Torrox is said to be the birthplace of Almanzor(942 - 1002), Emir of Al Andalus and one of the greatest soldiers of his time. Though some historians believe he was actually born in Algeciras, Torrox proudly honours his association with place names, art and a historical route through the town which bears his name.
Muhammad ibn Abu Amhir was not born a Muslim and was probably of Slavic birth, he turned to the Muslim faith in about 960 while studying in Cordoba and was taken under the protection of Galib Abu Temman Al-Nasir. On the 16th August 977 he married Isma (daughter of Galib Abu) and under the direction of his Father in Law he learned fighting skills and lead the Cordoban armies.
The death of the Caliph, Alhakem II, left the Muslim kingdom without a strong ruler as his son Hixem II (976 - 1009) was named successor at the age of 11 years. Government was place into the hands of the Sultana Aurora and of Prime Minister Abd Al-Rahman Ibn Mutarif however a number of factions rose up who disputed the authority, one of which was lead by Galib Abu Temman Al-Nasir, father-in-law of Almanzor.
Almanzor took his armies into Salamanca(977) and Segovia(978) to protect the important enclave of Gormaz, originally conquered by his Father in Law (960) The Count of Castile, Garci Fernandez, reconquered Gormaz in 978 and Almanzor reacted in 979 causing great losses to the Christian population, although he did not succeed in recovering Gormaz. The Count, having gained popularity with the Christian people following his success, went on to eliminate all rivals who disputed the policy of ascent, including Galib Abu Temman Al-Nasir (Almanzor's Father in Law) with the aid and support of the Sultana Aurora. Many at that time believed that the Count and the Sultana had an intimate relationship and they jointly governed the Califal while Hixem II was locked up in the Palace of Medinat Al-Zahra (Medina Azahara)
