Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, 1st Count of Melito facts for kids
Diego Hurtado de Mendoza (1469–1536) was an important Spanish general and leader. He was known for his role in the Italian Wars. Later, he became the Viceroy of Valencia, where he faced a big rebellion called the Revolt of the Brotherhoods.
Early Life of Diego
Diego Hurtado de Mendoza was born on November 3, 1469. He grew up in the castle of Manzanares el Real. His father was Cardinal Pedro González de Mendoza, a very powerful church leader. His mother was Mencia de Lemos. Diego was part of the very important House of Mendoza family.
Fighting in the Italian Wars
Diego joined the army and first fought in the Granada War. After this war ended in 1492, he became a higher-ranking officer. He then served in the Second Italian War. He showed great skill while fighting under a famous general named Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba.
Diego played a key part in the Battle of Ruvo. He also helped capture the city of Melito in the Kingdom of Naples. Because of his bravery and success, he was given the title of Count of Mélito in 1506.
Leading as Viceroy of Valencia
In 1520, Diego Hurtado de Mendoza was chosen to be the Viceroy of Valencia. A viceroy is like a governor who rules a region for the king. At this time, Valencia was facing many problems, including sickness and floods. Groups called germanies (which were like worker guilds) were starting to take control of the city.
Because Diego was from Castile, not Valencia, many people did not welcome him. He made the Germanies angry by supporting the rich nobles. He also refused to let their chosen representatives join the government. The viceroy's palace was attacked, and Diego had to escape to the countryside. This started a big fight known as the Revolt of the Brotherhoods.
Diego's forces were first defeated in a battle in June 1521. However, the king's troops won other battles. Diego returned to the city of Valencia with more soldiers in November 1521. He was fair to the rebels who had been defeated. But when a new viceroy, Germaine of Foix, arrived in 1523, the punishment for the rebels became much harsher.
Diego was married to Ana de la Cerda y Castro. He passed away in Toledo in 1536.
See also
- House of Mendoza
- Italian War of 1499–1504
- Revolt of the Brotherhoods
