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Cordova was born into a Castilian noble family. As a second son, he was drawn into military service for the king of Castile, and gained a reputation as a exemplary soldier and leader from the first. He fought in the war of the Castilian Succession on the side of Isabel, and won her lasting affection. He served ably in the War against Granada where he distinguished himself especially by clever fortifications and other feats of military engineering. His skills were so outstanding that when Spain became embroiled in a war against France over the territory of Naples, he was chosen to lead the expedition. It this position he brought great glory to Spain, and won virtually all his battles.
Cordova is generally given a great share of the credit for building the Spanish military into the preeminent force it was during the 16th century. He revolutioned the manner of warfare to incorporate fire-arms, and developed much emulated tactics for trench-warfare, guerilla warfare, and modern formations. He is cited by military historians as one of the greatest generals of all time, and was a model to many of the most famous European generals since his time including Turenne, the Prince of Savoy, Napoleon and Wellington.
Birth of Gonsalvo as the second son in a noble family. | |
Participated as a soldier in the War of Castilian Succession. | |
Gained reputation as first-rate commander during the Conquest of Granada. | |
Arranged for the transfer of Granada to Spain after it's surrender. | |
Beginning of First Italian War. | |
Battle of Seminara deals Cordoba his first and only defeat. | |
Return to Spain. Led expeditions against the Moriscos and Turks. | |
Battle of Ostia, early battle of the Second Italian War. | |
Battles of Cerignola and Garigliano drive France out of Southern Italy. | |
Recalled from Naples into retirement by Ferdinand. | |
Death of Cordova. |
The End of Ferdinand and Isabella in | A Child's History of Spain by John Bonner |
Ferdiand of Aragon in | Famous Men of Modern Times by John H. Haaren |
Great Captain in | Historical Tales: Spanish by Charles Morris |
Memorable Reign in | Spain: A History for Young Readers by Frederick A. Ober |
Image Links | ||
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![]() Gonsalvo De Cordova Finding the Corpse of the Duke of Nemours in Historical Tales: Spanish |
King of Aragon who ruled united Spain with Queen Isabel. Drove the Moors out of Granada. | |
Charles VIII of France | Valois king who instigated the Italian Wars by marching on Naples. |
Hernan Perez del Pulgar | Spanish knight under Isabella and Ferdinand who gained famed during the Reconquista for daring exploits. |
Boabdil | Briefly replaced his father on the throne of Granada before surrending to Ferdinand. |
Pious and stalwart queen of Spain, unified diverse kingdoms, reformed finances, conquered Granada, financed Columbus. |