Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
Miguel de Cervantes y Cortinas, later Saavedra was a Spanish writer best known for his novel Don Quixote, often considered the first modern novel.
Born in Alcalá de Henares, he led a varied life as a soldier, captive, and government official before turning to writing.
Cervantes married Catalina de Salazar y Palacios in 1584, and her uncle allegedly inspired the character of Don Quixote.
Despite financial struggles and imprisonment, Cervantes continued writing, settling in Madrid in 1606.
He completed the second part of Don Quixote in 1615, responding to an unauthorized sequel.
Cervantes died in Madrid on April 23, 1616, leaving behind a literary legacy that profoundly influenced Western literature.
