Medina Sidonia: The Duke Who Financed the Conquest of the New World
In the 15th century, as the Iberian Peninsula prepared for the grand adventure of exploring and conquering America, one name resonated powerfully in the halls of nobility: the Duke of Medina Sidonia. This title, carrying with it the weight of a rich and fascinating history, becomes the thread that weaves together a narrative where excessive luxury and might intertwine with ruin and conflict. How did a Spanish nobleman become one of the main financiers of expeditions to a New World filled with promises and risks?
The Rise of the House of Medina Sidonia
The House of Medina Sidonia, founded in the 15th century, stands as one of the most influential in Spanish nobility. Its first duke, Diego Fernando de la Cerda, was granted the title in 1484 by the Catholic Monarchs, a crucial step that marked the beginning of their legacy. However, it was his descendant, Juan Manuel Pérez de Guzmán y de la Cerda, who would take the name of Medina Sidonia to new heights.
In the second half of the 16th century, with the death of Charles I and the rise of Philip II, Spain found itself at the peak of its power. The nobility, and particularly the Dukes of Medina Sidonia, would play a fundamental role in financing expeditions to the New World, where unparalleled riches were promised. According to documents from the time, their fortune was such that it was said gold flowed like water in the houses of the nobility.
The Relationship with the New World
The expeditions to America were not just adventures; they were enterprises where ambition, glory, and, of course, money intertwined. In this context, Medina Sidonia was not left on the sidelines. In 1519, one of the most emblematic expeditions took place: that of Hernán Cortés. Although there is no direct evidence linking Medina Sidonia to the financing of this expedition, the environment in which he operated was...