Álvaro de Sande facts for kids
Don Álvaro de Sande (born 1489 – died October 20, 1573) was an important Spanish nobleman and a strong military leader. He was known for his bravery and skill in many battles.
He was born in Cáceres, a city in Spain. His father was Don Juan de Sande. Álvaro de Sande spent most of his life serving in the Spanish Army.
Contents
A Brave Military Career
Álvaro de Sande took part in many important military actions. He helped the Spanish army in the Conquest of Tunis (1535) in 1535. This was a big victory for Spain against the Ottoman Empire.
Battles in Europe
In 1543, he helped conquer the cities of Düren and Roermond. These were important battles in what is now Germany and the Netherlands. He also fought bravely in the huge Battle of Mühlberg in 1549. In this battle, he showed great courage and leadership.
After fighting in Germany, Sande moved to Italy. He fought against France in the Italian War of 1551–1559. He served with the "Tercios of Milan," which were famous Spanish army units.
Captured by the Turks
Even when he was older, Álvaro de Sande continued to fight. In 1560, he joined a big battle against the Ottoman Turks. This was the Battle of Djerba, and it ended very badly for the Spanish side.
A Long Siege and Ransom
After the sea battle, many surviving soldiers, including de Sande, hid in a fort. The fort had only just been finished. When another leader, Giovanni Andrea Doria, escaped, de Sande took charge of the soldiers in the fort.
The fort was soon attacked by powerful Ottoman leaders, Piyale Pasha and Turgut Reis. After three months, the Spanish soldiers had to surrender. About 5,000 prisoners, including Álvaro de Sande, were taken to Istanbul. He was held captive for two years.
Finally, de Sande was set free after a large payment of 60,000 escudos was made. This was a huge amount of money! The ambassador for the Holy Roman Empire, Ogier de Busbecq, helped to get him released. De Sande then traveled back to Spain.
Later Life and Honors
After his release, Álvaro de Sande continued his military service. In 1565, he fought against the Turks again. This time, it was at the Siege of Malta, another very important battle.
King Philip II of Spain gave Álvaro de Sande the town of Valdefuentes. He was also given the special title of the first Marqués de la Piovera. This made him a very important nobleman.
Governor of Milan
From August 21, 1571, to April 7, 1572, he served as the temporary Governor of the Duchy of Milan. This was a very important job, as Milan was a key area for Spain.
Álvaro de Sande married Antonia de Guzmán. They had a son named Rodrigo de Sande, who became the second Marqués de la Piovera. Don Álvaro de Sande passed away in Milan in 1573.
See also
In Spanish: Álvaro de Sande para niños
