El Cid (Radio Edit)
About this episode
This episode explores the life and legacy of El Cid, a mercenary warrior in eleventh-century Spain, and the myths that developed around him after his death.
Greg Jenner is joined in medieval Spain by historian Professor Nora Berend and comedian Toussaint Douglass to learn about the colourful life and afterlife of the warrior known as El Cid. El Cid – real name Rodrigo Díaz – was a mercenary in eleventh-century Spain who fought for both Christian kings and Muslim rulers before setting himself up as ruler of Valencia. This episode explores his dramatic life in the period before religious divisions were key on the Iberian Peninsula, and an ambitious warrior might fight for whoever would pay him. It then traces the legend that grew up around him after his death, taking in the medieval romances written about El Cid, the surprising role his bones played in the Napoleonic wars, his appropriation by General Franco after the Spanish Civil War, and even the classic Hollywood film starring Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren. This is a radio edit of the original podcast episode. For the full-length version, please look further back in the feed. Hosted by: Greg Jenner Research by: Adam Simcox Written by: Adam Simcox, Dr Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow, Dr Emma Nagouse, and Greg Jenner Produced by: Dr Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Greg Jenner Audio…
People in this episode
Host: Greg Jenner
Guests: Professor Nora Berend, Toussaint Douglass
Topics covered
- El Cid
- medieval Spain
- warrior life
- historical legend
- religious divisions
- Napoleonic wars
- Spanish Civil War
Keywords
- El Cid
- Rodrigo Díaz
- medieval Spain
- mercenary
- historical figure
- Napoleonic wars
- Spanish Civil War
- legend
- Hollywood film
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: BBC Radio 4, General Franco
Books & works: El Cid, Hollywood film starring Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren
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