Columbia Library columns (v.32(1982Nov-1983May))

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  v.32,no.2(1983:Feb): Page 18  



18                                 Andrew B.A'Jy ers

All the riches and delights of the world say the arabian writers
seemed to be assembled in and about the alcazar, to give pleasure
to the King, and the place was called Medina Azahra, to the city
of Azahra from a beautiful slave whom the King loved above all
others of his Elarem. In this little city was a mosque that rivalled in
elegance and costliness the great mosque of Cordova. There also
the mint for stamping money, and stately quarters for the royal
guards and cavalry.

Such was the city of Azahra, long the delight of the Cordovan
monarchs, but of which now scarce a trace remains. The guards
of the King were twelve thousand men. Four thousand Sclavo-
nians an ancient race greatly esteemed for grace and valour and
inviolable fidelity. They were on foot and guarded the interior of
the palace. Their weapons were the double handed sword, the
buckler and the mace. The external guard of cavalry consisted of
four thousand african guards of the tribe of Zentcs and four thou¬
sand andalusians.

The guards served by turns in bands or squadrons, and the whole
were only called into service when the King went to war in per¬
son. They were commanded by persons of the royal family or of
noble blood. Beside his guard, Abderahman, in his summer and
autumnal campaigns, selected various female slaves, and men ser¬
vants to accompany him. He was attended also by ingenious and
learned men; and he took with him his huntsmen and falconers,
for like all his ancestors he delighted in the chase and hawking.
Such was the magnificent state of the jVIoslem monarchs of Spain.
  v.32,no.2(1983:Feb): Page 18