Fadrique Álvarez de Toledo, 2nd Duke of Alba facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Most Excellent
Fadrique Álvarez de Toledo
2nd Duke of Alba GE
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
Fadrique Álvarez de Toledo y Enríquez
c. 1460 |
| Died | 19 October 1531 |
| Spouse(s) | Isabel de Zúñiga |
| Parents |
|
| Family | House of Alba |
Fadrique Álvarez de Toledo y Enríquez, 2nd Duke of Alba (born around 1460 – died October 19, 1531) was an important Spanish nobleman. He was also a strong military leader and a smart politician. He held the title of the second Duke of Alba.
Contents
Life of a Spanish Nobleman
Fadrique was the oldest son of García Álvarez de Toledo, 1st Duke of Alba. His mother was María Enríquez de Quiñones. His family was very powerful in Spain.
Early Life and Family Connections
Fadrique grew up very close to the Catholic Monarchs. These were Queen Isabella I of Castille and King Ferdinand II of Aragon. His father had supported Queen Isabella in a big war. This was the War of the Castilian Succession. It was fought against Isabella's niece, Juana la Beltraneja.
Fadrique's mother was also related to King Ferdinand II. This made Fadrique the king's first cousin. These strong family ties helped him a lot in his career.
A Leader in Battle
Fadrique was a skilled military commander. He took part in the conquest of Granada. This was a very important event in Spanish history. It completed the Christian reconquest of Spain.
Later, as the Duke of Alba, he led the Spanish army. In 1503, he fought against the French in Roussillon. This was a region near the border with France.
One of his most famous military acts was in 1512. King Ferdinand II decided to invade the Kingdom of Navarre. This kingdom was located in northern Spain. The king put Duke Fadrique in charge of his army. Fadrique conquered Navarre in just two weeks. This was a very quick victory. For his success, he was given new titles. He became the captain general of Andalucía. He also became the Duke of Huescar in 1513.
Serving the Emperor
Fadrique also served under Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor. Charles V was one of the most powerful rulers in Europe. Fadrique was a member of the Consejo de Estado. This was a very important council that advised the emperor.
He traveled with Emperor Charles V to different countries. He visited Germany, Flanders, and Italy. In 1520, Fadrique received two high honors. He was made a grandee of Spain. This was a special title for the highest-ranking nobles. He also became a knight in the Order of the Golden Fleece. This was a very respected group of knights.
Family and Legacy
Fadrique married Isabel de Zúñiga in 1480. She was the Countess of Sevilla. They had five children together. Their oldest son, García, was supposed to take over his father's title. However, García died before his father.
Because of this, the title of the third Duke of Alba went to Fadrique's grandson. This grandson was Fernando Álvarez de Toledo y Pimentel. He later became very famous as the "Iron Duke."
Fadrique's children included:
- García Álvarez de Toledo y Zuniga, who was the father of the 3rd Duke of Alba.
- Pedro Álvarez de Toledo y Zúñiga, who became the Viceroy of Naples. His daughter, Eleanor of Toledo, married Cosimo I de' Medici. He was the Grand Duke of Tuscany.
- Juan Álvarez de Toledo, who became a cardinal in the church.
