Miguel De Cervantes

Born around October 29, 1547, Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra embarked on a varied early life. In 1569, he relocated to Rome, where he served as a chamber assistant to a wealthy priest. Cervantes later enlisted as a soldier in a Spanish Navy infantry regiment, continuing his military career until 1575. During this period, he was captured by Algerian corsairs and endured five years of slavery before being released on ransom, secured by his parents and the Trinitarians, a Catholic religious order. Following his liberation, he returned to his family in Madrid.In 1585, Cervantes published his pastoral novel, La Galatea. Facing persistent financial difficulties, he took on roles as a purveyor for the Spanish Armada and subsequently as a tax collector. In 1597, discrepancies in his accounts from three years prior led to his incarceration in the Crown Jail of Seville. His literary career saw a resurgence in 1605 with the immediate success of the first part of Don Quixote, published in Madrid. By 1607, he had settled in Madrid, where he resided and worked until his death. During his final nine years, Cervantes solidified his reputation as a prolific writer, publishing the Novelas ejemplares (Exemplary Novels) in 1613, the Journey to Parnassus (Viaje al Parnaso) in 1614, and in 1615, the Ocho comedias y ocho entremeses and the second part of Don Quixote. His profound influence on the Spanish language is such that it is often referred to as "the language of Cervantes," and he was known as "The Prince of Wits." Miguel de Cervantes died on April 22, 1616.