Lelio Brancaccio facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lelio Brancaccio Marquess of Montesilvano
Portrait of Lelio Brancaccio, engraved by Nicolaes Lauwers after Anthony van Dyck
Born	around 1560 Naples
Died	1637 Perpignan
Allegiance	Habsburg
Years of service	1589–1637
Rank	Maestre de Campo general

Lelio Brancaccio (born around 1560, died 1637) was an important military leader. He was from Naples, a city in Italy. He was also known as the Marquess of Montesilvano. Lelio Brancaccio commanded armies for the Habsburgs. The Habsburgs were a powerful royal family in Europe. His service took him to Italy, the Low Countries (like modern-day Belgium and the Netherlands), and Catalonia in Spain.

Lelio Brancaccio's Life and Military Career

Early Life and Joining the Knights

Lelio Brancaccio was born in Naples around the year 1560. When he was about 24 years old, in 1584, he decided to give up his family inheritance. Instead, he joined the Order of Malta. This was a famous group of knights. They were known for their military and medical work.

Serving the Spanish Habsburgs

In 1589, Lelio Brancaccio began working for the Spanish Habsburgs. He started as a captain of an infantry company. Infantry are soldiers who fight on foot. He served the Habsburgs for the rest of his life. He only took a short break to be a sergeant major in another Italian army. This was during the Long Turkish War.

Joining the Army of Flanders

In 1602, Brancaccio joined the Army of Flanders. This was a Spanish army in the Low Countries. He became a Maestre de Campo. This means he was a commander of an infantry regiment. He had even helped create this regiment himself.

Captured by the English

While sailing from Flanders to Spain, he faced trouble. He was transporting Spanish soldiers. An English naval squadron captured his ship. Luckily, he was released soon after. He returned to Naples in 1603. By 1604, he was back in Flanders. He was then appointed to the Council of War in Brussels. This council helped plan military actions.

A Time of Peace and Writing

After a peace agreement, Brancaccio returned to Naples. This agreement was called the Twelve Years' Truce. It was between the Habsburgs and the Dutch Republic. In Naples, he joined the Collateral Council. This was an important government group.

Writing a Military Book

During this time, he wrote a book. It was a military guide called I Carichi militari. He dedicated it to Albert VII, Archduke of Austria. The book was first printed in 1610. It was printed again in 1620 and 1641. Brancaccio also became an inspector of fortifications. He checked military defenses for the Viceroy of Naples. The Viceroy was like a governor.

Return to War and New Titles

War started again in Flanders in 1621. Brancaccio returned to fight. In 1623, Philip IV of Spain honored him. Philip IV made him the Marquess of Montesilvano. This was a special title.

Leading Forces in Italy

In 1626, he became a top commander. He led Genoese forces in a conflict with Savoy. This fight was over the Marquisate of Zuccarello. From 1627 to 1630, he was in Spain. He advised the Council of War in Madrid.

Final Commands and Death

He returned to Italy in 1630. He commanded forces in the War of the Mantuan Succession. After that war ended in 1631, he went to Flanders for the fourth time. In 1632, he commanded the soldiers defending Maastricht. This city was under siege. That year, or the next, Philip IV named him a state councillor. This was a very high position. In 1633, he traveled to Barcelona. He was given command of the army of Roussillon. This area was part of the Crown of Aragon at the time. Lelio Brancaccio died in November 1636 in Elna.