Legend of the Great Captain
(The accounts to King Ferdinand the Catholic)
Gonzalo Fernandez de Cordoba and Aguilar, born in Montilla, Córdoba province, on September 1 of 1453, was a noble Spanish political and military renowned nationally and internationally.
Since very little was built to serve as Henry IV of Castile Paje. When Henry IV died, Gonzalo entourage went to the Princess Elizabeth. Highlighted in the conquest of Illora Tájara and in the provinces of Granada. Was negotiating with the monarch Nasrid Boabdil for the surrender of the city of Granada. His role in the war in Grenada and caused major income securities.
In 1495, with a small army, was sent to Naples and conquer it to expel the French. With great historical landmarks such as the strength of Alella, where he finally got up and expel the French. When he returned to Spain in 1498, Gonzalo Fernandez de Cordoba was dubbed El Capitan and Grand Duke of Santángelo.
In 1500 he was sent back to Italy, again as a negotiator, as happened in Grenada. The aim was to share a treaty between the Spanish and French goods in Naples. After much discussion the French resumed hostilities with an overwhelming military superiority in numbers. Gonzalo had to defend the strategic places in the city in the hope that the Catholic Monarchs will send reinforcements.
The war ended when the Great defeated the army of Captain Duke Nemours, inflicting the death in battle (Battle of Ceriñola). Louis XII sent a new army and was also beaten on the banks of Garellano 1504. The French had to withdraw all its troops and abandon Naples.
Once the contest, the Grand Master ruled as viceroy in Naples for four years. And here is where it comes from a legend, probably true ... the death of Queen Elizabeth, King Ferdinand took control of him and asked Naples explanations of the accounts that are listed in the archives of Simancas, which is reproduced below.
Fernando asked the Catholic explanations Gonzalo Fernandez de Cordoba, Gran Capitán, accounts of what had spent the money of his kingdom.
One hundred and thirty thousand ducats sent by the first game. Eighty thousand pesos for the second. Three million escudos for the third. Eleven million for the fourth shields. Thirteen million shields by the fifth.
For picks, shovels and hoes, one hundred million of ducats, for alms to monks and nuns pray for the Spaniards, one hundred and fifty thousand ducats; perfumed gloves for soldiers not oliesen the stench of battle, two hundred million ducats, for Replacing the damaged because of the bells continued to ring victory, one hundred and seventy thousand ducats, and ultimately the patient having to descend to these little things of the king whom I have given a kingdom, one hundred million of ducats.
Not very fetched given the history of the Catholic response to the king, since much of the army was on its side, at this point and had a great prestige and popularity. He better than anyone was willing to give a response of this magnitude to the king himself.
Major renewed the army captain during his years at the helm. Third was the creator of the Legion. Trained its soldiers with the values of pride, dignity, sense of honor and religious interest. After the war in Naples, which the French had to face the formidable Spanish infantry said: 'We have not fought against men, but hell'.
In the city center, in Plaza de las Tendillas Cordoba on his horse, usually surrounded by pigeons is Gonzalo Fernandez de Cordoba, the Great Captain. The conqueror of Granada, Naples, Viceroy of Naples and founder of the Legion of Tercio.
Author: Antonio Morales Carmona
