El Cid Full Name: Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar Profession: Spanish National Hero Nationality: Spanish Biography: The national hero of Spain. He displayed remarkable military ability in his conquest of Valencia, and after his death he became the subject of many legends, stories and poems. Birthplace: Vivar, Castile Died: July 10, 1099 Historical Events 1094-06-15 Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar [El Cid] occupies Valencia on the Moren Famous Spanish People Alfonso V of Aragon Alfredo Di Stéfano Antoni Gaudi Antonio Banderas Arantxa Sánchez Vicario Carles Puigdemont