​ABD-ER-RAHMAN I., a Caliph of Cordova, born in Damascus in 731. He founded a Moorish dynasty in Spain, made Cordova his capital and became an independent sovereign. Notwithstanding many rebellions and an expedition sent against him by Charlemagne he maintained his power. The mosque at Cordova (now used as a cathedral), ornamented with rows of cupolas, supported by 850 pillars of jasper, was built by him. He died in 787.