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Being The Epic Tale Of The Great Captain: Fourth Expedition Including Accounts

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The Great Captain, Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba, was one of the most celebrated military commanders in Spanish history. He is best known for his victories in the Italian Wars, where he defeated the French and Neapolitan armies on several occasions. In 1504, he launched his fourth expedition to Italy, with the aim of conquering the kingdom of Naples.

The expedition was a success, and Córdoba captured Naples in 1505. He was then appointed viceroy of the kingdom, and he remained in Italy for several years, consolidating Spanish rule. Córdoba's fourth expedition was a major turning point in the Italian Wars, and it helped to establish Spain as the dominant power in Italy.

The Last Voyage of Columbus: Being the Epic Tale of the Great Captain's Fourth Expedition, Including Accounts of Swordfight, Mutiny, Shipwreck, Gold, War, Hurricane, and Discovery

by Martin Dugard

4.5 out of 5

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This article will provide an overview of the Great Captain's fourth expedition, including accounts from contemporary sources.

Background

The Italian Wars were a series of conflicts that took place in Italy from 1494 to 1559. The wars were fought between a variety of different powers, including France, Spain, the Holy Roman Empire, and the Italian city-states.

The Great Captain first arrived in Italy in 1495, as part of a Spanish force sent to support the French invasion of Naples. However, Córdoba soon switched sides and joined the Neapolitan forces. He quickly distinguished himself as a brilliant military commander, and he played a key role in the Neapolitan victory over the French in 1503.

After the Neapolitan victory, Córdoba returned to Spain, where he was hailed as a hero. He was appointed Captain General of the Spanish army, and he was given command of the fourth expedition to Italy.

The Expedition

The Great Captain's fourth expedition set sail from Barcelona in July 1504. The expedition consisted of around 15,000 men, including a large number of veterans of the Italian Wars.

The expedition landed in Sicily, where Córdoba joined forces with the Spanish viceroy, Juan de Lanuza. The combined Spanish force then crossed over to the mainland, and they began to march on Naples.

The French army, under the command of Louis d'Armagnac, Duke of Nemours, was waiting for the Spanish at the Garigliano River. The French had a strong position, and they were determined to stop the Spanish from crossing the river.

However, Córdoba was too skilled a commander to be defeated by a river. He ordered his men to build a bridge across the Garigliano, and he then led them across the river under heavy fire from the French.

The Spanish then attacked the French positions, and they quickly overwhelmed the French army. The French were routed, and they fled from the battlefield.

The victory at the Garigliano was a major turning point in the Italian Wars. It broke the French hold on Naples, and it opened the way for the Spanish to conquer the kingdom.

Córdoba entered Naples in triumph in May 1505. He was hailed as a liberator by the Neapolitan people, and he was appointed viceroy of the kingdom.

Aftermath

Córdoba remained in Italy for several years after the conquest of Naples. He consolidated Spanish rule in the kingdom, and he helped to establish a period of peace and prosperity.

Córdoba returned to Spain in 1507, where he was once again hailed as a hero. He was given the title of Duke of Sessa, and he was appointed to the Royal Council.

The Great Captain died in Granada in 1515. He is considered one of the greatest military commanders in Spanish history, and his fourth expedition to Italy was one of his most famous achievements.

Accounts From Contemporary Sources

There are a number of accounts of the Great Captain's fourth expedition from contemporary sources. One of the most detailed accounts is provided by the Italian historian Francesco Guicciardini in his book The History of Italy. Guicciardini was an eyewitness to the expedition, and he provides a vivid description of the events that unfolded.

Another account of the expedition is provided by the Spanish chronicler Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo y Valdés in his book The General and Natural History of the Indies. Oviedo was not present at the expedition, but he interviewed many of the participants, and he provides a valuable account of the events.

These contemporary accounts provide a fascinating insight into the Great Captain's fourth expedition to Italy. They offer a glimpse into the mind of one of the greatest military commanders in history, and they provide a detailed account of one of the most important events in the Italian Wars.

The Great Captain's fourth expedition to Italy was a major turning point in the Italian Wars. It broke the French hold on Naples, and it opened the way for the Spanish to conquer the kingdom. Córdoba's victory at the Garigliano was one of the most famous battles of the Italian Wars, and it is still studied by military historians today.

Córdoba's fourth expedition is also a fascinating story of human courage and determination. It is a story of how a small group of men, led by a brilliant commander, can overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. Córdoba's legacy as one of the greatest military commanders in history is secure, and his fourth expedition to Italy is one of his most famous achievements.

The Last Voyage of Columbus: Being the Epic Tale of the Great Captain's Fourth Expedition, Including Accounts of Swordfight, Mutiny, Shipwreck, Gold, War, Hurricane, and Discovery

by Martin Dugard

4.5 out of 5