Background
His originally Christian mother was Abda (born Urraca), daughter of Sancho II of Pamplona, after whom he was named. Sanchuelo (Arabic: Shanjoul) being the diminutive of Sancho. Because he looked like his Christian grandfather.
His originally Christian mother was Abda (born Urraca), daughter of Sancho II of Pamplona, after whom he was named. Sanchuelo (Arabic: Shanjoul) being the diminutive of Sancho. Because he looked like his Christian grandfather.
Almanzor actually had all power in his hands but nominally recognized the suzerainty of the caliph. He used his great influence and forced the weak caliph to designate him as his heir (November 1008). Therefore, the population of Córdoba was very angry.
They had already disliked the rule of Almanzor because he had recruited for his safety many Berbers as mercenaries.
When Abd al-Rahman went on an expedition against King Alfonso V of León (February 1009), the citizens of Córdoba rose against him. Muhammad II al-Mahdi dethroned his relative Hisham II, became new caliph and destroyed the residence of Abd al-Rahman called al-Madina al-Zahira (= "the flourishing city").
On receiving these news Abd al-Rahman returned to Córdoba but his troops abandoned him. He was arrested and later assassinated by the order of al-Mahdi.
They were led by Muhammad II al-Mahdi, a member of the dynasty of the Umayyads.