Britannica
Sources used in this answer
How did Sancho II of Castile help El Cid begin his military career?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
El Cid
The Cid, sculpture in Balboa Park, San Diego.
El Cid, born Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, began his military career under the patronage of the Castilian royal family. Having been raised in the household of Ferdinand I’s eldest son, the future Sancho II, he established a reputation for military prowess early in his life.1
When Sancho II ascended to the throne in 1065, he significantly advanced El Cid’s career by appointing the 22-year-old as his alférez (royal marshal) and standard-bearer (armiger regis), placing him in command of the royal troops. Under Sancho’s leadership, El Cid gained critical experience, notably playing a leading role in the 1067 campaign against the Moorish kingdom of Zaragoza and participating in successful military efforts against Alfonso VI of Leon.21