Pamplona, under Sancho III the Great and his immediate successors, will reach the height of its power and extent.

The Kingdom of Navarre had joined in the Christian coalition that defeated and killed Al-Mansur Ibn Abi Aamir in 1002, leading to civil war that had eventually resulted in the dissolution of the Córdoba Caliphate, replacing the dominant power on the peninsula with a collection of ineffectual Taifa states and freeing Navarre from the continual campaigns and tribute.

Inheriting Pamplona, including Aragon, Sancho III has conquered Ribagorza and Sobrarbe, which had been depopulated since the collapse of Moorish control.

Sancho had fixed the border between Navarre and Castile in 1016, as part of the good relationship he had established by marrying Muña Mayor Sánchez (Muniadona), daughter of Sancho García of Castile.

In 1017, he becomes the protector of Castile for the young García Sánchez.