The Cid´s Colada Brass Handle

Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar -known as ‘El Cid Campeador’- was an 11th century knight and considered one of the main heroes in the history of Spain. Such is his fame, that even his swords gained recognition: Tizona and Colada. Both played a fundamental role in some of the greatest feats that took place during the Reconquest. El Cid Campeador inspired the most important deed song in Spanish literature: ‘El Cantar de mio Cid’.

The Tizona is a unique piece, since it is estimated that only fifty copies were made, according to the Andalusian chronicles of the time, with gold and silver handles. Currently, it is exhibited in the local museum of Burgos.

In 1998, a study was carried out by which it was possible to find out a lot about this mythical sword. The iron of which it is composed comes from Sierra Morena and it is forged with mild steel and low carbon content. The steel is soft but it was hardened by means of a carburization treatment. In addition, they managed to verify that the sword was forged in the 11th century -although the exact year is unknown, since more detailed tests could damage the current state of the weapon-.

There are several theories about how this sword came to the hands of Rodrigo. One of them argues that the Cid could take it - or receive it - from Abubeker, a relative of the Almoravid emir Tusuf. Another version speculates on the possibility that he could have obtained it as war spoils when fighting against Ramón Berenguer I, Count of Barcelona; or Armengol I, Count of Urgel, since both were in possession of it according to the Templar document "Liber Feudorum".

La Colada was the other known sword that Rodrigo Díaz had, which was won to the Count of Barcelona in combat. Right now there is one on display at the Royal Palace in Madrid.

The Cid gave both swords to his two sons-in-law -his infants- according to legend. But he recovered them after the affront that they committed on his daughters. Of both, the 11th century blade is preserved but with a Renaissance grip.

Despite being remembered as a crusader on the Reconquest side, throughout his life he went on to fight under the orders of different leaders -both Christian and Muslim- which is why some historians resemble him more of a mercenary than a hero.