Rodrigo Méndez Silva facts for kids

Pedro de Villafranca's painting of Rodrigo Méndez Silva

Rodrigo Méndez Silva (born in 1606, died in 1670) was a very smart Spanish person. He was a historian, which means he studied and wrote about the past. He was also a genealogist, someone who studies family histories and how people are related. Plus, he was a geographer, meaning he knew a lot about maps and places, and a writer. He lived during a time when Spain was a very powerful country.

His Books and Writings

Rodrigo Méndez Silva wrote many books. These books helped people learn about history, famous families, and different places. Here are some of his important works:

• Catálogo real genealógico de España (Royal Genealogical Catalog of Spain): This book was published first in 1637. It was very popular and had many new editions. It was all about the family trees of the Spanish kings and queens. It showed how they were related to each other and to other important families.
• Población general de España (General Population of Spain): Published in 1645, this book was about the people living in Spain. It likely included details about different towns and regions.
• Engaños y desengaños del mundo (Deceptions and Disappointments of the World): This book came out in 1655. It probably shared his thoughts on life and how people can be tricked or learn important lessons.
• Parangón de los Cromueles de Inglaterra (Comparison of the Cromwells of England): Written in 1657, this work might have compared important figures from England, perhaps focusing on the famous Cromwell family.
• Le saette di Gionata scagliate a favor degli ebrei (Jonathan's Arrows Shot in Favor of the Jews): This book was published in Venice in 1703. It shows his interest in different cultures and people.
• Memorial de la antigua, y noble familia de los Gonzalez de Sepulveda (Memorial of the Ancient and Noble Family of the Gonzalez de Sepulveda): This book from 1655 focused on the history of a specific noble family.
• Ascendencia ilustre, gloriosos hechos y posteridad noble del famoso Nuño Alfonso (Illustrious Ancestry, Glorious Deeds, and Noble Descendants of the Famous Nuño Alfonso): Published in 1648, this book told the story of Nuño Alfonso, a famous knight and leader in Toledo.
• Admirable vida, y heroycas virtudes de ... la esclarecida emperatriz María (Admirable Life and Heroic Virtues of the Illustrious Empress Maria): This book from 1655 described the amazing life and good qualities of Empress Maria.
• Vida y hechos heroicos del gran Condestable de Portugal D. Nuño Aluarez Pereyra (Life and Heroic Deeds of the Great Constable of Portugal D. Nuño Aluarez Pereyra): Published in 1640, this book was about a very important leader from Portugal. It also included family trees of many European rulers.
• Memorial de las casas del Villar Don Pardo, y Cañete (Memorial of the Houses of Villar Don Pardo and Cañete): This 1646 book detailed the history, services, marriages, and family lines of these important noble houses.
• Compendio de las mas señaladas hazañas que obro el Capitan Alonso de Céspedes (Summary of the Most Notable Deeds of Captain Alonso de Céspedes): This 1647 book highlighted the brave actions of Captain Alonso de Céspedes.
• Breve, curiosa, y aiustada noticia, de los ayos, y maestros, que hasta oy han tenido los Principes, Infantes, y otras personas reales de Castilla (Brief, Curious, and Accurate Account of the Tutors and Teachers of the Princes, Infants, and Other Royal Persons of Castile): This 1654 book gave interesting facts about the teachers of royal children in Castile.

See also

In Spanish: Rodrigo Méndez Silva para niños