Abd al-Rahman III (891-961), founder of the Cordova Caliphate (912-861). He succeeded his grandfather, Emir Abd Allah. When he came to power, Andalusia (Al-Andalus) had broken down into various autonomous areas. The new Emir managed to restore order, and the authority of the Ummayads. The most urgent problem was to put down Umar Ibn Hafsun's uprising, which had spread widely through the centre of Andalusia. The occupation of the Barbastro Fortress (Sierra de Málaga) in 928 signalled the end of the uprising. At the same time, the local semi-autonomous lords of Andalusia were subjugated.

In 929, Abd al-Rahman III proclaimed himself Caliph, successor of the Prophet and Prince of the Believers, which implied Al-Andalus' religious independence. In the following years he imposed his authority on the frontier areas, which since the 9th century had been on the edge of Cordovan power. Abd al-Rahman III's deeds were not limited to extending his rule throughout Andalusia. The weakness of Cordovan rule had permitted the Christian border areas to advance considerably. In 928, in Valdejunquera, he seriously weakened the coalition of the Kings of Leon and Navarre. But in 939 he was conquered in the battle of Simancas. Despite this, the Caliph became the arbitrator of quarrels among Christians. In North Africa, Abd al-Rahman managed to resist the power of the Fatimids. The latters' attempt to incorporate Al-Andalus into their kingdom was, in fact, one of the main reasons Abd al-Rahman had proclaimed himself Caliph. In 927 he occupied Ceuta and, four years later, Melilla. From this time on the sovereignty of the Cordovan Caliphate was recognized in all the territory west of Algeria.

Abd al-Rahman III excercied absolute power, aided by an efficient administration and a strong army of mercenaries. With him, Andalusia enjoyed an era of peace and prosperity. Cordova was enlarged and enriched. He also insitiated the construction of the Medinah-al-Zahara Palace northeast of Cordova (936).