On This Day

Ghent surrenders to Duke of Parma

Alexander Farnese (Italian: Alessandro Farnese, Spanish: Alejandro Farnesio; 27 August 1545 – 3 December 1592) was an Italian noble and military leader, who was Duke of Parma, Piacenza and Castro...

Alexander Farnese (Italian: Alessandro Farnese, Spanish: Alejandro Farnesio; 27 August 1545 – 3 December 1592) was an Italian noble and military leader, who was Duke of Parma, Piacenza and Castro from 1586 to 1592, as well as Governor of the Spanish Netherlands from 1578 to 1592. Nephew to King Philip II of Spain, he served in the Battle of Lepanto and the subsequent campaigns of the Holy League against the Ottoman Empire. He was latter appointed general of the Spanish army during the Dutch revolt and its ramifications, serving in Netherlands, France and the Holy Roman Empire until his death in 1592.

Farnese was regarded by contemporaries and historians as the greatest general of his age, as well as one of the best in history, for his talents as a commander, strategist and diplomat.

Historical Significance

Alexander Farnese (Italian: Alessandro Farnese, Spanish: Alejandro Farnesio; 27 August 1545 – 3 December 1592) was an Italian noble and military leader, who was Duke of Parma, Piacenza and Castro from 1586 to 1592, as well as Governor of the Spanish Netherlands from 1578 to 1592.

Events Before

  1. William I of Orange marries Louise de Coligny, daughter of the Admiral of France

    William I of Orange marries Louise de Coligny, daughter of the Admiral of France

  2. Humphrey Gilbert claims Newfoundland for the English crown, establishing the first English colony in North America and t

    Humphrey Gilbert claims Newfoundland for the English crown, establishing the first English colony in North America and the beginning of the British Empire

  3. Dutch States General and Anjou sign treaty

    Dutch States General and Anjou sign treaty

  4. Brabant: Duke of Parma beats French mercenaries

    Brabant: Duke of Parma beats French mercenaries

  5. Richard Martin of London takes out the first life insurance policy, on William Gibbons; the premium is £383

    Richard Martin of London takes out the first life insurance policy, on William Gibbons; the premium is £383

Events After

  1. The Olympic Theatre, designed by Andrea Palladio, is inaugurated in Vicenza.

    Andrea Palladio was an Italian Renaissance architect active in the Venetian Republic.

  2. Clemens Crabeels becomes bishop of 's-Hertogenbosch

    Clemens Crabeels becomes bishop of 's-Hertogenbosch

  3. Spain confiscates English ships in Spanish harbors - beginning of the Anglo-Spanish War

    Spain confiscates English ships in Spanish harbors - beginning of the Anglo-Spanish War

  4. Spanish army under Tassis beats Amerongen Staatse troops

    Spanish army under Tassis beats Amerongen Staatse troops

  5. King Henri III and Duke De Guise signs Treaty of Nemours: French Huguenots lose all freedoms

    King Henri III and Duke De Guise signs Treaty of Nemours: French Huguenots lose all freedoms

More from the 1580s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on September 17, 1584?
Alexander Farnese (Italian: Alessandro Farnese, Spanish: Alejandro Farnesio; 27 August 1545 – 3 December 1592) was an Italian noble and military leader, who was Duke of Parma, Piacenza and Castro from 1586 to 1592, as well as Governor of the Spanish Netherlands from 1578 to 1592. Nephew to King Philip II of Spain, he served in the Battle of Lepanto and the subsequent campaigns of the Holy League against the Ottoman Empire. He was latter appointed general of the Spanish army during the Dutch revolt and its ramifications, serving in Netherlands, France and the Holy Roman Empire until his death in 1592.
Why is Ghent surrenders to Duke of Parma significant?
Alexander Farnese (Italian: Alessandro Farnese, Spanish: Alejandro Farnesio; 27 August 1545 – 3 December 1592) was an Italian noble and military leader, who was Duke of Parma, Piacenza and Castro from 1586 to 1592, as well as Governor of the Spanish Netherlands from 1578 to 1592.

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