Juan Alonso Pimentel de Herrera facts for kids
Juan Alonso Pimentel de Herrera was an important Spanish nobleman and politician. He was born in Villalón, Spain, around June 29, 1553, and passed away in Madrid on November 7, 1621. He held many high-ranking positions during his life. These included being a Knight of the Order of Santiago and a Grandee of Spain. A Grandee was a very important noble, close to the King.
Juan Alonso also became the 5th Duke of Benavente. This happened after his older brother, the 4th Duke, passed away without children. He was also the 8th Count of Mayorga and the 3rd Count of Villalón. His career involved serving the Spanish Crown in various significant roles.
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Early Life and Family
Juan Alonso Pimentel de Herrera came from a powerful and noble family in Spain. His father was the 3rd Duke of Benavente. Being born into such a family meant he was expected to serve the King and the country. He received an education that prepared him for a life in politics and administration.
Important Roles and Positions
Juan Alonso held several very important jobs for the King of Spain. These roles showed how much the King trusted him.
President of the Council of Italy
One of his key roles was being the President of the Council of Italy. This council was a special group that helped the King manage the Spanish territories in Italy. It was like being in charge of a major government department for a whole region.
Viceroy of Valencia
He also served as the 15th Viceroy of Valencia. A Viceroy was like a governor or a representative of the King in a specific region or kingdom. They had a lot of power and were responsible for governing the area. Valencia was an important part of Spain at that time.
Viceroy of Naples
Later, Juan Alonso became the 25th Viceroy of Naples. Naples was a very important kingdom in Southern Italy that was part of the Spanish Empire. Being a Viceroy there meant he was the King's main representative. He was responsible for keeping order, collecting taxes, and managing the local government. This was a very high and powerful position.
Marriages and Descendants
Juan Alonso Pimentel de Herrera married twice. His marriages connected him to other powerful noble families.
First Marriage
In 1569, he married Catalina de Quiñones Vigil de Quiñones. She was the 6th Countess of Luna. Sadly, Catalina passed away in 1574, just a few years after their marriage.
Second Marriage
In 1582, he married his cousin, Mencía de Zúñiga y Requeséns. Her father was Luis de Requesens y Zúñiga. He was also a very important person who had been a Governor in Italy and the Spanish Netherlands. These marriages helped strengthen the family's influence and connections within the Spanish nobility.
Legacy
Juan Alonso Pimentel de Herrera was a significant figure in Spanish history. He served the King faithfully in many high-ranking positions. His work as a Viceroy in Valencia and Naples helped manage important parts of the Spanish Empire. He played a role in the administration and governance of Spain during a time when it was a major world power.
