Abd ar-Rahman II

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Abd ar-Rahman II (Arabic: عبد الرحمن الثاني) ‎ (788-852) was Umayyad Emir of Cordoba in the Al-Andalus (Moorish Iberia).

The son of Emir Al-Hakam I, he became Emir of Córdoba in 822 and engaged in nearly continuous warfare against Alfonso II of Asturias, whose southward advance he halted (822-842). In 837 he suppressed a revolt of Christians and Jews in Toledo and repulsed an assault by Vikings in 844. Thereafter he constructed a fleet and naval arsenal at Seville to repel future raids. He responded to William of Septimania's requests of assistance in his struggle against Charles the Bald's nominations.

Abd ar-Rahman was famous for his public building program in Córdoba where he died in 852. A vigorous and effective frontier warrior, he was also well-known as a patron of the arts. He was also involved in the execution of the "Martyrs of Cordoba".

Abd ar-Rahman II
Cadet branch of the Banu Quraish
Died: 852
Preceded by
al-Hakam I
Emir of Cordoba
822 – 852
Succeeded by
Muhammad I

This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.