Page "Abd-ar-Rahman III" Paragraph 5

During the first 20 years of his rule, Abd ar-Rahman avoided military action against the northern Christian kingdoms, Asturias and Navarre.

The Muladi rebels were the first problem he confronted.

Those powerful families were supported by Iberians who were openly or secretly Christians and had acted with the rebels.

These elements, which formed the bulk of the population, were not averse to supporting a strong ruler who would protect them against the Arab aristocracy.

Abd ar-Rahman moved to subdue them by means of a mercenary army that included Christians.