Julian, Count of Ceuta was a legendary Christian local ruler
or subordinate ruler in North Africa who had a role in the Umayyad conquest of
Hispania — a key event in the history of Islam, in which al-Andalus was to have
a major role, and the subsequent history of what were to become Spain and
Portugal.
It is in fact not certain that the man's name was truly
"Julian", or that his function was indeed "Count of Ceuta",
though he is commonly mentioned in Christian sources by that name and title,
and as having been charged with "holding the African Pillar of Hercules
for Christendom". There are many conflicting theories as to his precise
function and authority.
The reasons and circumstances for what is widely reckoned
as his act of treachery to the Visigothic Kingdom and to Christianity are the
subject of continued controversy, considering the far-reaching results. The
fact of his being depicted as the archetypal traitor by many centuries of
Spanish historiography has made more difficult the task of distinguishing fact
from myth where he is concerned.
