Badajoz is the capital of the province of Badajoz in the autonomous community of Extremadura, Spain. It is situated close to the Portuguese border, on the left bank of the river Guadiana. The population in 2011 was 151,565.
Badajoz (Baṭalyaws) was founded by Ibn Marwan towards 875. In the 11th century, it became the seat of the Taifa of Badajoz, noted as a hub for (high) cultural production under the Aftasids despite military and political unstability. Badajoz was conquered by the Kingdom of León in 1230, becoming a royal demesne and seat of an opulent diocese. Due to the spillover of civil wars and conflicts with Portugal, the city underwent many spells of calamity throughout the medieval and modern periods.