 |
Spain |
|
 |
Language(s) | Spanish |
 |
Currency | Euro (€) |
 |
Phone Code | +34 |
 |
Population | 45,200,737 |
 |
Area | 504,030 sq km |
 |
Capital | Madrid |
 |
GDP | $1.44 trillion |
|
Spain |
|
|
Language(s) | Spanish |
|
Currency | Euro (€) |
|
Phone Code | +34 |
|
Population | 45,200,737 |
|
Area | 504,030 sq km |
|
Capital | Madrid |
|
GDP | $1.44 trillion |
Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha Travel Guide
Cervantes’ Return to Spain
En route to his homeland with letters of recommendation from King Don Juan de Austria, Cervantes’ ship was attacked by Barbary corsairs; all aboard, including the future author and his brother, were captured and sold into slavery in Algeria. The letters sustained Cervantes’ life as a captive and endeared him to his captors. He was apparently a stoic leader among his fellow captives and, despite at least four failed escape attempts, managed to avoid the severe punishment, torture or death that would have befallen most slaves for such an act. He remained in captivity for five years, until his family was able to earn his release in 1580.
Cervantes’ return to Spain would lead to 25 years of poverty, with odd jobs here and there and little to show for it all. The life of Cervantes the adventurer had come to an end. But the legend of Cervantes the writer would soon be assured in 1605, when El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha was published to rave reviews.
Toledo Weather
