Ziryab, adopted name (zar, ‘gold’ and ab, ‘water’) of Abu-al-Hasan Abi ibn-Nafi

Influential cultural aide of the court of Abd-ar-Rahman II, Emir of Córdoba AD 822–852. A man of diverse talents, he was a highly gifted musician, as well as being a geographer, astronomer, and skilled glassblower.

Ziryab was the arbiter of good taste at the sophisticated court of Córdoba. He opened a boutique selling toothpaste and perfumes, and revolutionized contemporary cuisine and the service of food. He is credited with popularizing asparagus.