Ramón de Bonifaz facts for kids
Ramón de Bonifaz was a brave Spanish naval leader who lived a long time ago (from 1196 to about 1252 or 1256). He is most famous for helping to capture the city of Seville. He did this by breaking through a big barrier in a river.
Early Life and Work
Ramón de Bonifaz started his life as a successful merchant. He lived in a city called Burgos in Spain. This city was on a famous path called the Way of St. James, which many pilgrims walked.
Bonifaz became very wealthy. By 1227, he was rich enough to buy a very expensive house. After making his fortune, he became the alcalde, or mayor, of Burgos. He served as mayor for many years in the early 1200s.
The Capture of Seville
In 1247, King Ferdinand III of Castile and León gave Bonifaz a special job. He asked Bonifaz to create a navy. This navy would help in the reconquista, which was the effort to take back Seville from the Almohad rulers.
Bonifaz gathered many ships, mostly from the Bay of Biscay. He sailed them up the Guadalquivir River to attack Seville. Ships from Seville, Ceuta, and Tangier tried to stop him. Bonifaz had thirteen large ships and many smaller ones. His fleet sank several enemy ships and chased the others away.
In 1248, Bonifaz did something very famous. He broke through the city's river defenses. This led to Seville finally falling to King Ferdinand's forces. The Almohad rulers had blocked the river with a strong pontoon bridge. This bridge had a heavy metal chain. It stretched from the Torre del Oro (Tower of Gold) to the other side of the river.
This bridge was the only way for supplies to reach the city. Bonifaz used his strong boats to ram the barrier. He broke the chain and the bridge. With no more supplies, Seville soon gave up.
Honors and Legacy
Bonifaz received many awards for his important role in taking back Seville. In 1252, he became a royal official. Some people believe he was the first Admiral of Castile, a very high naval position. However, some historians are not sure about this title.
Bonifaz's family continued to be important in Burgos for over a hundred years after he died. The coat of arms of Cantabria even shows Bonifaz breaking the chains across the Guadalquivir River.
See also
In Spanish: Ramón Bonifaz para niños
