Andrea Doria
| Andrea Doria | |
|---|---|
Portrait of Andrea Doria, c. 1520, by Sebastiano del Piombo
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| Born |
30 November 1466 Oneglia, Republic of Genoa |
| Died | 25 November 1560 (aged 93) Genoa, Republic of Genoa |
| Occupation | Condottiero and admiral |
| Parent(s) | Ceva Doria and Caracosa Doria |
Andrea Doria (Italian: [aŋdreˈa dorj.a]; 30 November 1466 – 25 November 1560) was an Italian condottiero and admiral of the Republic of Genoa.
Doria was born at Oneglia from the ancient Genoese family, the Doria di Oneglia branch of the old Doria, de Oria or de Auria family. His parents were related: Ceva Doria, co-lord of Oneglia, and Caracosa Doria, of the Doria di Dolceacqua branch. Orphaned at an early age, he became a soldier of fortune, serving first in the papal guard and then under various Italian princes.
In 1503 he was fighting in Corsica in the service of Genoa, at that time under French vassalage, and he took part in the rising of Genoa against the French, whom he compelled to evacuate the city. From that time onwards, he became famous as a naval commander. For several years he scoured the Mediterranean in command of the Genoese fleet, waging war on the Turks and the Barbary pirates.
In the meanwhile Genoa had been recaptured by the French, and in 1522 by the armies of the Holy Roman Emperor.
But Doria joined the French or popular faction and entered the service of King Francis I of France, who made him captain-general; in 1524 he relieved Marseille, which was besieged by the Imperials, and later helped to place his native city once more under French domination.
Dissatisfied with his treatment at the hands of Francis, who was mean about payment, he resented the king's behavior in connection with Savona, which he delayed handing back to the Genoese as he had promised.
Consequently, on the expiration of Doria's contract he entered the service of Emperor Charles V (1528).
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