"burgos" Burgos by doug48

burgos is a very interesting city in north central spain. burgos was founded in 884AD and has played an important role in spanish history. burgos was the capitol of the united kingdoms of castile and leon from 1073 to 1492. burgos is probably best known for it's famous resident, rodrigo diaz de vivar (el cid). el cid was born in vivar about 6 miles north of burgos in 1043. the name el cid derives from the arabic word sidi or lord. he is also refered to as el campeador (the champion). el cid was chief general of king alfonso VI during his campaigns against the moors. later he had a falling out with alfonso and worked as a mercenary for both christian and muslim rulers. he conquered valencia for the christian rulers in 1094 and ruled the city until his death in 1099. the tombs of el cid and his wife jimena are in the burgos cathedral.