Antonio de Leyva, Duke of Terranova facts for kids
Antonio de Leyva (1480–1536) was a brave Spanish general. He fought in many important conflicts known as the Italian Wars. He is especially famous for his role in defending the city of Pavia and helping to win the big Battle of Pavia in 1525. Later, he became a top commander for the Holy Roman Emperor.
Contents
Biography of Antonio de Leyva
How Antonio de Leyva Started His Military Career
Antonio de Leyva was born in 1480 into a noble family from Navarre, a region in Spain. He began his military journey in 1502. His first battles were in the Alpujarras region of Spain. Here, he fought against the revolting Mudéjares, who were Muslims living in Granada.
After these early experiences, he went to Italy. He served under a famous Spanish general known as the Gran Capitán (the Great Captain) from 1503 to 1504.
Antonio de Leyva's Role in the Italian Wars
Antonio de Leyva played a very important part in the Italian Wars. He was wounded during the Battle of Ravenna in 1512. Later, he fought near Milan under another commander, the Marquis of Pescara.
In 1524, he took part in a difficult campaign in Provence, France. His army managed to take goods from the countryside. However, they had to leave without capturing the city of Marseille.
The Siege and Battle of Pavia
After the campaign in Provence, Antonio de Leyva was put in charge of the soldiers defending the city of Pavia. The French army, led by King Francis I, started a long attack on Pavia. This attack, called the Siege of Pavia, lasted from October 1524 to February 1525.
De Leyva's strong defense of Pavia was crucial. It gave the Spanish and Imperial armies enough time to get ready. Because of this, they were able to win the famous Battle of Pavia. This was a major victory for the Spanish forces.
Leading the Imperial Army
In 1525, Antonio de Leyva took over from the Marquis of Pescara. He became the commander-in-chief of the Imperial army in the Duchy of Milan. This was a very important position.
When the last Duke of Milan, Francesco II, passed away in 1535, Emperor Charles V appointed de Leyva as the Governor of Milan. This showed how much the Emperor trusted him.
A Special Tribute from Emperor Charles V
Emperor Charles V once honored Antonio de Leyva in a unique way. During a military inspection, the Emperor dressed up as a regular soldier. He asked to be listed in the army records as 'Carlos de Gante, soldier of the brave Tercio of Antonio de Leyva'. This was a great sign of respect for de Leyva's leadership.
Antonio de Leyva's Final Years
Antonio de Leyva suffered from gout, a painful health condition. He died from it in 1536 during another campaign in Provence. He was buried in Milan, in a church called San Dionigi, which no longer exists.
His family continued to live in Milan. They became one of the most important families in the city.
See also
In Spanish: Antonio de Leyva para niños
