Duke of Alba

Timeline

1. 1507–1550Pimentel · CastileBorn into a Castilian noble family, he inherited the dukedom of Alba. In his youth he served under Charles V, taking part in the Italian Wars and the affairs of the Holy Roman Empire, and became known for strict discipline and fierce fighting, gradually becoming one of the emperor's most trusted generals.
2. 1551–1556Brussels · BrabantIn the 1550s he served as a privy councillor at the court of Charles V, deeply involved in imperial diplomacy toward France and military-political affairs in the Netherlands. After Charles V abdicated in 1556 and Philip II acceded, Alba continued as a core adviser handling the situation in the Low Countries and preparations for the war with France.
3. 1557Saint-Quentin · PicardyOn 10 August 1557 the Duke of Alba led a Spanish and Holy Roman Empire coalition to victory over the French at Saint-Quentin, capturing large numbers of French troops and recovering Picardy. This decisive Habsburg–Valois victory directly led to the signing of the Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis in 1559.
4. 1556–1558Naples · Kingdom of NaplesAfter Saint-Quentin he was appointed viceroy of Naples by Philip II, reorganizing the military administration and finances of southern Italy and consolidating Spanish dominance in the Mediterranean. Around 1558 he returned to Spain, continuing as the king's chief military adviser.