Ramón de Cardona facts for kids
Ramon Folc de Cardona i Anglesola (born 1467 – died 10 March 1522) was an important Spanish general and leader from Catalonia. He was known for his role in the Italian Wars. Ramon served as the Viceroy of Naples, which meant he was the king's main representative and ruler there. He also led the Spanish armies in Italy during a big conflict called the War of the League of Cambrai. In 1515, he was given the title of Count of Oliveto in the Kingdom of Naples.
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Early Life and Important Roles
Ramon de Cardona was born in Bellpuig, a town in Catalonia, Spain. His family, the Cardonas, was one of the most powerful families in the Crown of Aragon. His parents were Antoni de Cardona-Anglesola i Centelles and Castellana de Requesens. He inherited titles like Baron of Bellpuig, Baron of Linyola, and Baron of Utxafava.
In 1502, Ramon became the Duke of Soma. A few years later, in 1505, he helped capture a place called Mers-el-Kébir as an admiral, which means he was a leader in the navy.
King Ferdinand II of Aragon chose Ramon to be the Viceroy of Naples in 1509. Before that, he was the Viceroy of Sicily from 1507 to 1509. He stayed in Naples as Viceroy until he passed away in 1522. In 1510, he was asked to bring the Inquisition to Naples. This was a special court, but the people of Naples did not like this idea and started a revolt. Because of this, the Spanish king decided to cancel the plan.
Military Campaigns in Italy
In 1511, Ramon de Cardona moved to northern Italy. He became the main commander of the army for the League of Cambrai. While he was away, his wife, Isabel de Requesens, took over the government in Naples. Isabel was also the Countess of Palamós, Avellino, and Trivento.
The next year, in 1512, Ramon's army was defeated by Gaston of Foix, Duke of Nemours at the Battle of Ravenna. After this, Cardona went to Tuscany to support the House of Medici, a powerful family that the Spanish king supported. His troops surrounded the city of Prato. After the city fell, there was a terrible event where many people were killed.
In 1513, Cardona returned to Lombardy with a new army. He won an important victory at the Battle of La Motta, where he defeated the army of the Republic of Venice. However, he could not stop the Venetians from joining forces with the French army at the Battle of Marignano.
After Pope Julius II died in 1513, and King Francis I of France arrived in Italy, Cardona was called back to Spain. In 1515, he received another title, Count of Alvito. In 1519, the new King of Spain, Charles I of Spain (who later became Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor), made Ramon the Great Admiral of the Kingdom of Naples.
Ramon Folc de Cardona died in Naples in 1522. His tomb in Bellpuig is a famous example of Renaissance art. It was created by a sculptor named Giovanni da Nola.
Family Life
Ramon Folc de Cardona had two children:
- Fernando Folch de Cardona, 2nd duke of Soma: He inherited his father's titles, becoming the 2nd Duke of Soma and 3rd Count of Oliveto. He also served as the Viceroy of Sicily and passed away in 1571.
- Caterina de Cardona y Requesens: She married Don Ferrante d' Aragona, 1st duke of Montalto. Their family line later became the "Moncada" family, who were important princes in Sicily.
Images for kids
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Ramón Folc de Cardona-Anglesola.
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Tomb of Ramon de Cardona, by Giovanni da Nola.
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Portrait of Doña Isabel de Requesens, wife of Ramón de Cardona by Raphael.
See also
In Spanish: Ramón Folch de Cardona-Anglesola para niños
