Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar y Mendoza, 1st Marquis of Cenete facts for kids
Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar y Mendoza was an important Spanish noble. He was born around 1466 in Guadalajara and passed away on February 22, 1523, in Valencia. Rodrigo belonged to the powerful House of Mendoza family. He was the first son of the influential Cardinal Pedro González de Mendoza. Rodrigo became the first person to hold the titles of Conde del Cid and Marquis of Cenete, which he held from 1491 until his death.
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Rodrigo's Early Life
Rodrigo was the son of Cardinal Pedro González de Mendoza and Mencía de Lemos. His parents were not married. He was part of the very powerful House of Mendoza family. Rodrigo received his education from his father and his uncle, Diego Hurtado de Mendoza y Quiñones. He was also the brother of Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, 1st Count of Melito.
Rodrigo started his military career during the Granada War. He served under the command of his uncle, Íñigo López de Mendoza y Quiñones, who was the 2nd Count of Tendilla.
Marriages and Travels
In 1492, Rodrigo secretly married Leonor de le Cerda. They lived in the Castle of Jadraque, which belonged to her family. After Leonor passed away in 1497, Rodrigo traveled to Italy. While there, he learned a lot about the beautiful buildings and art of the Italian Renaissance.
After returning to Spain, Rodrigo married a second time. He married María de Fonseca y Toledo. However, Queen Isabella I of Castile had forbidden this marriage. Because he went against the queen's wishes, Rodrigo was put in prison. He remained there until the queen died in 1504.
Building and Conflicts
Once Rodrigo was released from prison, he asked a builder named Lorenzo Vázquez de Segovia to construct a magnificent castle. This castle, called Castillo de La Calahorra, was built for his wife in the Province of Granada.
Soon after, Rodrigo left the castle and moved to his lands in Ayora, in the Province of Valencia. This move happened because of a disagreement he had with his uncle, Íñigo López de Mendoza y Quiñones. King Philip I of Castile supported Rodrigo in this dispute, while King Ferdinand II of Aragon supported his uncle.
Rodrigo later moved permanently to Valencia. This happened after his brother was named the Viceroy, a high-ranking official. Rodrigo played an important part in politics and the military. He helped to stop the Revolt of the Brotherhoods, a major uprising. He showed great skill in handling difficult situations. This skill allowed him to stay in Valencia even after his brother passed away.
Rodrigo's Children
Rodrigo and María de Fonseca y Toledo had two daughters:
- Mencía de Mendoza (1508–1554): She was known for supporting women's rights. Mencía was also famous for her sensitivity and her love for culture and art.
- María de Mendoza (1510-1580): She inherited her father's titles of Marquis of Cenete and Conde del Cid. María married Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, 4th Count of Saldaña. He was the first son of Íñigo López de Mendoza, the Duke of the Infantado. Because of this marriage, Rodrigo's titles eventually passed to the Dukes of the Infantado.
See also
In Spanish: Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar y Mendoza para niños
