He moreover gave premiums and privileges to the best artisans;
improved the breed of horses and other domestic animals; encouraged
husbandry; and increased the natural fertility of the soil twofold
by his protection, making the lovely valleys of his kingdom to bloom
like gardens. He fostered also the growth and fabrication of silk,
until the looms of Granada surpassed even those of Syria in the
fineness and beauty of their productions. He moreover caused the mines
of gold and silver and other metals, found in the mountainous
regions of his dominions, to be diligently worked, and was the first
king of Granada who struck money of gold and silver with his name,
taking great care that the coins should be skilfully executed.
It was towards the middle of the thirteenth century, and just
after his return from the siege of Seville, that he commenced the
splendid palace of the Alhambra; superintending the building of it
in person; mingling frequently among the artists and workmen, and
directing their labors.
Though thus magnificent in his works and great in his enterprises,
he was simple in his person and moderate in his enjoyments. His
dress was not merely void of splendor, but so plain as not to
distinguish him from his subjects. His harem boasted but few beauties,
and these he visited but seldom, though they were entertained with
great magnificence. His wives were daughters of the principal
nobles, and were treated by him as friends and rational companions.
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