Dhu al-Nun

(1033-1095)

   This refers to the Arabized name of the Banu Azinnun, a Hispano-Berber dynasty of the Party Kings in Toledo (1033-1085) and Valencia (1085-1092). They were members of the Hawwara tribe, which came to Spain in the early days of the Arab conquest and settled in the mountain region of northeastern Toledo. They achieved considerable influence in the towns of Santaver, Huete, and Ulcés. Musa Ibn Zannun took control of the ancient Visigothic capital of Toledo in 888.

   During the following two centuries, the Banu Zannun continued to rank among the great Andalusian families. Despite the limitation of their sovereignty, their reign was one of Toledo's most brilliant periods. They firmly organized public administration and finances, consolidated the army, and enlarged their territory at the expense of weaker city-states. In 1065, they conquered Valencia. Their court became the meeting place of poets, scholars, and distinguished theologians, who made Toledo an intellectual center. In 1102, the Almoravid army conquered their domain and put an end the Banu Zannun dynasty.