CHAPTER IV THE EMPIRE OF ''THE TWO SHORES" The dynasty of the Ommeyades lasted nominally in Spain until the year 103 1 ; but the visible decay of its power may be placed about the year 1000.

Abdurrahman III., one of the greatest of the Western Caliphs, reigned for fifty years, between the dates of 911 and 961 A.D. He was the first to assume the title of Commander of the Faithful in the West, and his reign may be taken as marking the highest epoch of Mohammedan authority in Europe. The Christian nations of the North represented to the Mohammedans of that day nothing more than barbarism, and in levying successful war upon them, Abdurrahman took the place of the champion of civilisation. Every year he renewed his attacks. He carried war by land across the Pyrenees, and his fleets dominated the Mediterranean.

" In this manner," says his chronicler, " the Moslems subdued the country of the Franks beyond the utmost limits reached during the reigns of his predecessors. The Christian nations beyond the Pyrenees extended to him the hand of submission, and their kings sent cosdy presents to conciliate his favour. Even the kings of Rome, Constantinople, Germany, Sclavonia, and other distant parts, sent ambassadors asking for peace and suspension of hostilities, and offering to agree to any conditions which he should dictate." The most elaborate receptions were accorded to these embassies, and it is rather interesting to note incidentally in a description of the reception of the embassy from Constantinople, which took place with extraordinary magnificence in the year 949, that amongst