Peter Ernst I von Mansfeld-Vorderort facts for kids
Peter Ernst I von Mansfeld-Vorderort was an important army leader and governor. He was born on July 20, 1517, and passed away on May 25, 1604. Peter Ernst was from Germany but served the Spanish Empire. He was a commander in their army. Later, he became the Governor of the Spanish Netherlands from 1592 to 1594.
He was born in a town called Heldrungen in Saxony. Peter Ernst was one of 16 children. His father was Ernest II, Count of Mansfeld-Vorderort. His mother was Dorothea von Solms-Lich.
Military Adventures
When Peter Ernst was young, he went to the Spanish Netherlands. He traveled with Emperor Charles V. In 1535, he joined a big trip to fight in Tunis.
In 1545, he became the governor of Luxembourg. This was a very important job. A year later, in 1546, he was made a knight. He joined a special group called the Order of the Golden Fleece.
During the Eighty Years' War, Peter Ernst fought in many battles. He served under famous leaders. These included John of Austria and Alexander Farnese. He fought in the Battle of Gembloux (1578).
In 1590, Alexander Farnese went to France. Peter Ernst was then chosen to be the temporary Governor of the Spanish Netherlands. When Farnese died in 1592, Peter Ernst became the main governor. He held this important role until 1594. Then, Archduke Ernest of Austria took over.
His Family
Peter Ernst I von Mansfeld had children from two marriages. He also had another son from a different relationship.
His first marriage was in 1542 to Margaretha van Brederode. They had three children:
- Friedrich (born 1542, died 1559)
- Karl II, Count von Mansfeld zu Friedeburg (born 1545, died 1596). Karl was killed during a battle in Gran.
- Polyxene (died after 1591). She married Palamedes de Châlon.
His second marriage was in 1562 to Marie de Montmorency. They had two children:
- Philipp Oktavian (1564–1591)
- Dorothea. She married a Spanish general named Francisco Verdugo.
Peter Ernst also had a son with Anna Benzerath:
- Peter Ernst II von Mansfeld. This son became a very famous army commander. He played a big role in the Thirty Years War.
Peter Ernst I von Mansfeld-Vorderort died in Clausen, Luxembourg in 1604.
See also
In Spanish: Pedro Ernesto de Mansfeld para niños
