Jimena Blázquez

The Middle Ages on the Castilian plateau were a turbulent period in terms of security, as the attacks by the Muslims inhabiting the southern kingdoms were compounded by the disputes between the kingdoms of León and Castile.

The seemingly impregnable walls of Ávila could only be breached by a prolonged siege or by exploiting a major lapse in the defenders’ vigilance. This was the opportunity that presented itself to the Muslim forces: the troops from Ávila were forced to march towards the Puerto de Menga, requiring all men of fighting age, possibly in the hope of taking the attackers by surprise. However, the attackers had deceived them and decided to assault the city from another front, finding it defenceless.

Before they left, however, the feisty Jimena Blázquez, the mayor’s wife, was appointed governor. Unaware of this, the Moors decided to attack the walls. As the first troop movements began, Jimena gathered all the women; they dressed in warriors’ garb, took up positions in the most visible sections of the city walls with burning torches, shouting and blowing war trumpets. Faced with the fact that Ávila was well defended, the Arabs did not even attempt a siege. Jimena had saved the city.

From that moment on, the women of Ávila were granted the privilege of taking part in Town Council meetings.