Shmuel HaNagid, also known as Ibn Nagrella, was born in 993 CE in Cordoba, Spain. Shmuel HaNagid was remembered as a poet although he was also highly educated in Torah. Shmuel HaNagid knew three languages, Hebrew, Latin, and Arabic, he studied Islam, and he studied Judaism. The knowledge of multiple languages and religions were skills that would also be needed for official working as an advisor to the king.

Shmuel HaNagid stayed a merchant in Cordoba until 1013 CE. By that time a Civil war had been going for three years and the Berbers had started securing their power. Next he fled to Granada, where he became a merchant next to the viziers palace. After a request from a servant of the vizier, Shmuel HaNagid began writing letters from the servant to the vizier. Upon seeing these letters, the vizier was so impressed with the calligraphy that he ordered to meet with Shmuel HaNagid. The vizier offered Shmuel HaNagid to be his assistant and Shmuel HaNagid accepted his offer. …show more content…
When the vizier fell mortally ill King Habbus asked how he could continue prospering without him. The vizier told him that the secret to his success was his Jewish advisor. In 1027 CE the vizier died and Shmuel HaNagid took his place. It was at this point that the Jewish community gave him the title HaNagid or Prince. Shmuel HaNagid advised the king and lead the