In 886, after the death of Emir Muhammad of Córdoba, Cabra rebelled in favor of Omar, son of Hafsun, but Almóndir, his successor, sent cavalry who captured the castle and fortress. In 1226, Alfonso the Battler conquered it, but after defeating the Anzur Castle, he abandoned it. In 1240, it was conquered by Ferdinand III, who granted it to Alonso Rodríguez de León. On February 5, 1258, Alfonso X signed a charter granting Cabra to the Council of Córdoba. In 1288, Sancho the Brave revoked this grant, giving it to his son Pedro de Ledesma, who exchanged the encomienda of Cabra with the Order of Calatrava for the town of Santa Olaya. The first holder of the encomienda was Juan Núñez del Prado. In 1328, Alfonso XI ordered the castle and fortifications to be rebuilt. According to Ramírez de Arellano, the outer towers may date from this period. In 1331, Friar Pedro Díaz de Aguayo surrendered it to the people of Granada, who demolished most of its towers and defensive walls. In 1445, Henry IV granted the fortress and castle, along with the title of Count, to Marshal Diego Fernández de Córdoba.