The Great Captain - An oil painting by Eduardo Carrio, is at the Institute of Spain in Madrid.
Gonzalo Fernandez de Cordoba was born in 1453 in the castle of Aguilar, in Montillo. His father was the fifth lord of Aguilar and served as a knight on the border between Castile and Granada. Died when he was only two years. His brother inherited the guardianship of the family and their properties. Being the second child was place in weapons. He was educated as a model taking the skirmishes that occurred in the border between Christianity and the Arab world. There was more than just military tactics, he witnessed the use of diplomacy and espionage to win a contest. But mostly he learned that the victory was not for the first hit but are more resistant to the attacks of his opponent.
With only 14 years in 1463, he joined the entourage of Prince Alfonso Avila as a page. His family was an outspoken advocate of Alfonso in enmity to his rival Henry IV of Castile. A year later Alfonso was crowned in the "farce of Avila" that would lead to a civil war against Henry IV. All Gonzalo smiled at the election the winning side if not for that in 1468 Alfonso memory prematurely. This was the first time Gonzalo Fernandez went in the military and politics. There was very successful but it served as experience for the future. In 1474 Gonzalo
would be captured by the Count of Cabra, eternal enemy of his family in the region of Cordoba. In 1476 was released by the Catholic Monarchs, became a part of the retinue of Isabel I of Castile, who was in the midst of a civil war Juana la Beltraneja accounting. The same contention on the hegemony of Castile which had participated but with a different generation of heirs. This time win and be crowned as Queen Isabel of Castile doubt. Gonzalo only fight in one of the last conflicts of the Civil War, led to 120 men in the skirmish of Albuera in Badajoz. Had not yet reached the time, everything was a preparation for what was to come.
Kings I would grant the work to perform various embassies in Nazari kingdom of Granada being king, Boabdil, who had good relacciones Gonzalo. For these tasks would be made a Knight of the Order of Santiago. His military career began to take note to Loja in Granada and the political aspect of his handling of disputes between Arabs of different locations. Some years later in 1492 would be in charge of negotiating the surrender of Granada. Ferdinand II would appoint him governor of Illora where he lived until he was called to go to Italy.
the death of Ferdinand I of Naples, son of Alfonso V of Aragon, taking advantage of the succession, King Charles VIII of France conquer Naples. Ferdinand II was soon to negotiate the support of Alfonso II of Naples, family rightful heir of the Catholic Kings. Rome, Florence and Venice to a lesser extent, allied with the English to drive the French from Italy. Ferdinand II organized an expeditionary force under the command of Gonzalo Fernandez and Alfonso II of Naples. Thus began the first campaign in Italy, the Great Captain.
The expedition arrived by sea to Reggio Calabria where he conquered in 1495. The next step was a disaster, Alfonso V forces were defeated in Seminara and only thanks to Gonzalo Fernandez and the army tactical maneuverability would be saved. Although some Historians speak of the only defeat of the Great Captain fail others speak of as the heir to the throne of Naples and as Gonzalo manages to save the expedition. Gonzalo
saved the army goes on the defensive while waiting for reinforcements to continue the campaign. Keep getting out as defender Reggio and the surrounding area while training his troops in a new way of war. Stop using large masses of soldiers, passing smaller groups but combined between infantry, cavalry and artillery. Create English troops. Troops smaller but more maneuverable and better equipped. Once reinforcements arrived and prepared his army for war would From this modern campaign takes time to drive the Neapolitans. From this moment would not lose any battles. Every time you mention in some contest thirds armies tremble.
The English troops by the porcupine. In 1496 Alfonso II of Naples would name him governor of several towns in Calabria. Also showed that he was good civilian life and the court. Alexander VI Borgia family in 1498 to Spain for help against pirates Biscayans paid by France that are against the wall. Ferdinand II orders the Great Captain to address them. Quickly beat pirates and capture their leader and brings to the pope so that whatever you see fit. Pope gives the Golden Rose, a reward were given only to the monarchs. Maybe this here the first drop of the enmity between Ferdinand and the Great Captain. Gonzalo was required in Spain where he was awarded a position in Zaragoza away from the cities that offered the Italian nobles.
When the Ottomans in 1500 threatened the peninsula once again the Italian states sought help from the English monarchs. They once again called the Great Captain who without much difficulty echo the Turks of the Adriatic. His success was so resounding in Italy he was appointed the Catholic Monarchs General Lieutenant Apulia and Calabria.
The heir of Alfonso II of Naples pacts with the Turks, which no Christian kingdom would forgive him. France and Spain attacked Naples to depose Fabrique I of Naples. They tried to divide the kingdom of Naples trying to avoid war but could not be, Spain and France resumed hostilities. The Great Captain stood at the head of the troops and made a highly maneuverable war that ended the French army commanded by the Duke of Nemours, who died in the battle of Cerignola, 1503. Louis XII quickly send another of his armies. who was defeated at the battle of Garigliano before year's end. Spain went on to control the kingdom of Naples. So ended the second campaign in Italy.
For some time the Great Captain ruled the region of Naples The English monarch appointed him viceroy of Naples in 1505, but Ferdinand II the Catholic wary of the fame that was reached was not quite agree, was to find a missing person to your dismiss him. The ruling found him in his financial administration, asked to account for their expenses. The Great Captain command the famous accounts of the Great Captain ", a particularly thorough and ironic accounts. Elizabeth had died and his enemy Fernando stated clearly.
was in 1506 when Ferdinand II during a trip to Naples decided to remove the Great Capitan. He added the title of Duke of Santagel, Newfoundland and Bitonto Marques, the Duke of Sessa. He moved to Loja and never betray their master. Papacy received bids to become admiral of his troops and later the papacy and Venice was offered the command of the holy army gathered against Louis XII. In the two bids said that staying in his retirement in Granada where he died in 1515.
The battle of Cerignola - Oil J. Casado de Alisal. It is in the Senate Building in Madrid Some speak to the destruction of the Great Captain by his sovereign was due to pressure from pro-French Italian nobles. Others say that Ferdinand was so suspicious that he could not trust someone who monopolized much power. Some even speak of a relationship between Elizabeth I, what granjearía his favor but his death would leave via free to Ferdinand to dismiss him. What is certain is that proved to be a great soldier to be the creator of modern warfare. All monarchs tried to copy his style of army. I think the thirds were dominant hosts for almost the next two centuries. And at the end of his life no one could prove anything against his loyalty. Today is an example of the perfect gentleman of the time.
Pd: In honor of "La Camilla." All who study at the Catholic Monarchs understand me.
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