Alonso de Córdoba, Count of Alcaudete facts for kids
Alfonso de Córdoba y Velasco (born in Tafalla (Navarra), on September 6, 1512 – died in Tudela, on February 27, 1565) was an important Spanish nobleman. He was the second Count of Alcaudete. He also served as the Viceroy of Navarre and was a governor of Oran, a city in North Africa.
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Biography
Alfonso was the oldest son of Martín Alonso Fernández de Córdoba Montemayor y Velasco, conde de Alcaudete and Leonor Pacheco. His father was the first Count of Alcaudete.
When his father became the Governor of Oran in North Africa, Alfonso went with him. Sometimes, Alfonso took charge when his father traveled back to Spain.
In 1558, his father was killed during a difficult battle called the Expedition of Mostaganem (1558). After this, Alfonso became the new governor and captain general of Oran and Mazalquivir.
In 1561, Alfonso worked to free his younger brother, Martin. Martin had been captured by the Algerians during the Mostaganem battle. Alfonso paid a large sum of 23,000 escudos to get his brother back.
Alfonso made the defenses of Oran and Mazalquivir much stronger. In April 1563, a huge Algerian army attacked and surrounded these cities. Alfonso led the defense of Oran, and his brother Martin led Mazalquivir. They bravely held the cities and caused many losses for the attacking army.
After this successful defense, King Philip II chose Alfonso to be the Viceroy of Navarre. This important role was given to him on September 5, 1564. Alfonso arrived in Navarre at the end of November. Sadly, he became sick with tuberculosis and died a short time later. He passed away before even reaching his official court in Pamplona.
Family Life
Alfonso married Francisca de Mendoza y Carvajal. Her father, Antonio de Mendoza, was a Viceroy in New Spain. Alfonso and Francisca had eight children. Two of their notable children were:
- Alfonso (1552-1590), who became the third Count of Alcaudete.
- Francisco (1553-1632), who became the fourth Count of Alcaudete. He also served as the governor of Oran from 1596 to 1604.
Sources
- Real Academia de la Historia
- Geneaordonez
- Castilla.maxerco.es
See also
In Spanish: Alfonso de Córdoba y Velasco para niños
