Fernando Alvarez De Toledo, Duke Of Alva From Classic
Encyclopedia 1911 ALVA, or [[Alba, Fernando Alvarez De Toledo,
Duke Of]], (1508-1583), Spanish soldier, descended from one of
the most illustrious families in Spain, was born in 1508. His
grandfather, Ferdinand of Toledo, educated him in military
science and politics; and he was engaged with distinction at the
battle of Pavia while still a youth. Selected for a military
command by Charles V., he took part in the siege of Tunis
(1535), and successfully defended Perpignan against the dauphin
of France. He was present at the battle of Miihlberg (1547), and
the victory gained there over John of Saxony was due mainly to
his exertions. He took part in the subsequent siege of
Wittenberg, and presided at the court-martial which tried the
elector and condemned him to death. In 1552 Alva was intrusted
with the command of the army intended to invade France, and was
engaged for several months in an unsuccessful siege of Metz. In
consequence of the success of the Frenc