El Cid
A knight exiled by his king who built a kingdom from Spanish sands.
El Cid leads the Spanish campaign in Age of Empires II: The Conquerors expansion. Modeling the historical Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, he is a knight forging his own path through the chaotic Reconquista. His tale pits loyalty against betrayal and military skill as he fights between Christian kingdoms and Moorish emirs.
- Character
- Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar
- Role
- Campaign Hero / Military Commander
- Affiliation
- Kingdom of Castile (initially), Valencia (later)
- Civilization
- Spanish
- First Appears
- Age of Empires II: The Conquerors
- Status
- Deceased
Lore & Background
The campaign continues beyond the Siege of Valencia, where El Cid establishes his independent domain. The story ultimately concludes with 'The Death of El Cid', depicting the final moments of the legendary commander and cementing his legacy as a symbol of resilience and honor in Spanish history.
In Their Own Story
The dust of Valencia clung to Rodrigo's armor like a second skin. Behind him lay the long road of exile; before him stood the gates of a city that would bear his name. He raised his sword, not for a king who had forgotten him, but for the men who followed him into the fire. The sun beat down on the besieged walls as the final horn sounded.
Reader's Guide
The narrative begins with El Cid's forced departure from Castile due to royal suspicion and political maneuvering by King Alfonso VI. He travels through the Iberian Peninsula, engaging in skirmishes against Moorish armies while navigating treacherous alliances with other Christian nobles who view him as a threat. A significant portion of his journey involves defending territories and gathering resources to fund his eventual return to prominence. The climax focuses on the conquest of Valencia, where El Cid must overcome superior defenses and hold the city against counterattacks from both Muslim forces and jealous Christian rivals. His success transforms him from an exile into a sovereign ruler, though he remains in conflict with Alfonso VI until his death. Ultimately, the story concludes with his passing, leaving behind a fortified Valencia that stands as a testament to his military genius.
Did You Know?
- The El Cid campaign is one of the original five campaigns included in The Conquerors expansion.
- Historically, Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar served both Christian kings and Muslim emirs during his lifetime.
- In the game, players command Spanish troops to capture strategic cities across Iberia.
- The narrative arc extends past the Siege of Valencia, culminating in the final mission 'The Death of El Cid'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the historical figure behind El Cid?
He is Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, a Castilian knight who serves as the campaign hero in Age of Empires II: The Conquerors. His story depicts his journey through exile and military conquest during the Reconquista.
Which civilization does he represent?
El Cid commands the Spanish civilization throughout his specific campaign missions. This choice reflects his historical roots and the military style associated with his era.
What caused his conflict with King Alfonso VI?
Court intrigue led to false accusations of betrayal, resulting in his initial banishment from the Kingdom of Castile. He spends much of the early campaign fighting for Moorish allies while awaiting a chance to return home.
Does El Cid survive the campaign?
No, he passes away near the end of the storyline following the death of his wife, Chimene. His final mission focuses on securing Valencia before his funeral concludes the narrative arc.
Why is this campaign important to Age of Empires lore?
It introduces players to the religious and political tensions between Christians and Moors in medieval Spain. El Cid’s rise from exile to ruler demonstrates how individual skill can shape history within the game's universe.