Diego de Valera
Diego de Valera was a notable figure born in Cuenca, Spain, in 1412, recognized for his extensive service to the Spanish crown as both a soldier and a scholar. Initially, he served as a page to King John II and Prince Henry and participated in significant military campaigns, including the battle of Higueruela and the siege of Hulema. After fighting in France and Bohemia against the Hussites, he returned to Spain and took on various prominent roles, eventually becoming the mayor of Palencia by 1452. Valera is particularly remembered for his historical writings, with his most famous work, *Crónica abreviada de España*, chronicling history from creation to the reigns of Henry IV of Castile and Ferdinand and Isabella. This text, which reflects both his own experiences and earlier sources, was popular enough to be reprinted multiple times after its initial release in 1482. Despite some limitations in geographical knowledge and reliance on legends, Valera's work offers valuable insights into the court life of the late fifteenth century and positions him as a key chronicler of his time. He is often regarded as the last Castilian chronicler of the Middle Ages, illustrating the blend of history and legend prevalent in the historiography of that era.
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Diego de Valera
Nonfiction Writer
- Born: 1412
- Birthplace: Cuenca, Spain
- Died: 1488
- Place of death: Puerto de Santa María, Spain
Biography
Diego Valera was born in Cuenca, Spain, in 1412 to court physician Alfonso García Chirino and his wife, Violante López. He accumulated a record of distinguished service to the crown. As a youth, he became a page first to King John II and later to Prince Henry. He was at the battle of Higueruela in 1421 and the siege of Hulema in 1435. Continuing his military career, he went to France and Bohemia, where he fought against the Hussites. He was honored for his service by King Albert of Bohemia. In late 1438 or early 1439, he had returned to Spain and was again in the service of Prince Henry. By 1452, he had become the mayor of Palencia. After the death of King John II, he retired from public life to become a scholar. However, he became the majordomo to Queen Isabella I, and chronicler of Ferdinand II of Portugal. Valera was instrumental in convincing Ferdinand to attempt the conquest of Granada.
Valera is best known as a historian. In particular, he described the history Catholic royalty. His Crónica abreviada de España details the history of the world from creation to the reigns of Henry IV of Castile and of Ferdinand and Isabella. Apparently the book was quite popular because it was reprinted nine times, beginning with its initial publication in 1482. The book borrows material from earlier encyclopedias, including the Primera Chrónica General of King Alfonso, and it includes some of Valera’s own experiences at the court of John II.
Valera’s knowledge of geography was probably equal to that of his contemporaries, but he seemed to rely more on legends and traditions in his writing than actual facts, even though he had apparently traveled rather extensively. This tradition of using myths and legends was somewhat typical for court historians, the tradition having been established during the previous century by Sir John Mandeville and later by Antonio de Torquemada. For example, Valera’s knowledge of Africa appears to be limited to areas north of the Sahara Desert, and he divides Europe into five areas, yet omits areas that may have been well known to Queen Isabella. Also, his descriptions of Scandinavia are quite odd, describing those countries either as completely uninhabitable or as quite bucolic. However, his knowledge of Europe was much more advanced than writers in the previous two centuries. Valera’s Crónica abreviada de España is an important source for the details surrounding court life during the latter part of the fifteenth century. Valera has been called the last Castilian chronicler of the Middle Ages.