Pedro III Fajardo, 5th Marquis of Los Vélez facts for kids
Pedro III Fajardo de Zúñiga y Requesens (born in 1602 – died in Palermo, Sicily, on November 3, 1647) was an important Spanish soldier and nobleman. He is well-known for leading Spanish armies during a conflict called the Catalan Revolt which started in 1640.
Pedro held many important jobs during his life. He was a Viceroy (a ruler representing the king) in Valencia from 1631 to 1635. Later, he was Viceroy of Navarre (1638–1640), and then Catalonia (1640–1642). He also served as the Spanish Ambassador to Rome and was Viceroy of Sicily from 1644 to 1647.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Pedro Fajardo de Zúñiga y Requesens was born in Mula, a town in the region of Murcia in Spain. He came from a very important family. He was the 5th Marqués de los Vélez starting in 1631. A "Marqués" is a noble title, similar to a Marquis. He was also a Grandee of Spain, which was the highest rank a Spanish nobleman could have.
His father was Luis II Fajardo, 4th Marquess of Los Vélez, who was also a Viceroy of Valencia before him. Pedro's family had a long history of serving the Spanish crown.
Military Career and Key Battles
Pedro joined the Spanish army and quickly became a General. His skills led him to become a Viceroy in different parts of Spain.
The Catalan Revolt
In 1641, a major conflict known as the Catalan Revolt began in Catalonia. This was a time when Catalonia tried to break away from Spanish rule. Pedro Fajardo was chosen to lead the Spanish forces. His main goal was to capture Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, and stop the revolt.
However, his army faced a big defeat at the Battle of Montjuïc in 1641. This battle took place near Barcelona. After losing, Pedro's forces had to retreat along the coast to Tarragona. This defeat was very damaging to the morale of the Spanish army. Because of this, he was removed from his position as Viceroy of Catalonia in 1642. He was replaced by another leader, Pedro Antonio de Aragón.
Later Roles
Even after the defeat in Catalonia, Pedro Fajardo continued to serve the Spanish crown. He later became the Viceroy of Sicily from 1644 until his death in 1647.
Personal Life
Pedro Fajardo was married twice. His first wife was Ana, who was the daughter of a Viceroy of Naples. They did not have any children together.
He then married Mariana Engracia Álvarez de Toledo y Portugal. From this second marriage, he had a son named Fernando Joaquín Fajardo de Requeséns y Zúñiga. Fernando also grew up to hold important positions, becoming the 6th Marqués de los Vélez after his father. He also served as a Viceroy in Sardinia and Naples.
Pedro III Fajardo de Zúñiga y Requesens passed away in Palermo, Sicily, in 1647.
Images for kids
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Vélez Blanco Castle is located in the Province of Almería, Spain.
See also
In Spanish: Pedro Fajardo de Zúñiga y Requeséns para niños
