María Pacheco facts for kids

María Pacheco hears about her husband's death. This painting is from the 1800s.

María López de Mendoza y Pacheco, often known as María Pacheco, was a brave leader in a big uprising in Spain. This uprising, called the Revolt of the Comuneros, was when ordinary citizens fought against the king's power. María Pacheco was born around 1496 and passed away in March 1531.

Early Life and Family

María Pacheco was born in a city called Granada. Her parents were Íñigo López de Mendoza y Quiñones and Francisca Pacheco. She belonged to a very important and powerful family known as the House of Mendoza.

Later, she married a man named Juan López de Padilla. Even after marriage, she chose to keep her own family name, Pacheco. This was because her family's name was more famous and respected than her husband's at the time.

The Revolt of the Comuneros

The Revolt of the Comuneros was a major rebellion in Spain. People were unhappy with the new king, Charles V, and wanted more say in how their country was run. María's husband, Juan López de Padilla, became a main leader of these rebels, known as the Comuneros.

Leading Toledo's Defense

In 1521, a very important battle happened at a place called battle of Villalar. Sadly, María's husband, Juan López de Padilla, was captured and killed during this battle. This was a huge loss for the Comuneros.

After his death, María Pacheco stepped up. She took charge of the rebel forces in the city of Toledo. She bravely led the city's defense against the king's army. For six months, she successfully protected Toledo. Eventually, she helped arrange a peaceful agreement for the city to surrender.

Life After the Revolt

After the revolt ended, María Pacheco managed to escape from Spain. She found safety in Portugal. She lived in a city called Oporto until her death in March 1531. She was about 35 years old when she passed away. María Pacheco was buried in the Oporto Cathedral in Portugal.

See also

In Spanish: María Pacheco para niños