Andrea Doria Genoese admiral and statesman Date of Birth: 30.11.1466 Country: Italy

1. Early Life and Military Career
2. Command of the Genoese Fleet
3. Power Struggle and Alliance with the Holy Roman Empire
4. Liberation of Genoa and Establishment of a New Order
5. Imperial Service and Campaigns against the Turks
6. Battle of Preveza and Later Campaigns

Early Life and Military Career

Andrea Doria was born into an ancient and illustrious Genoese aristocratic family, the Dorias. His parents were Ceva Doria, Lord of Oneglia, and Caracosa Doria. Doria became orphaned at an early age, leading him to pursue a military career. He initially served in the papal guard of Pope Innocent VIII, followed by stints with the Kings of Naples, Ferdinand I and Alfonso II, and various Italian princes.

Command of the Genoese Fleet

In 1503-1506, Doria fought in Corsica as part of the Genoese army. Genoa was then a vassal of France, and Doria played a significant role in the Genoese uprising against French rule. This period marked the beginning of his growing fame as a naval commander.

In 1513, Doria assumed command of the Genoese galleys. For several years, the Genoese fleet patrolled the Mediterranean, engaging in conflict with the Turks and combating piracy.

Power Struggle and Alliance with the Holy Roman Empire

During the Italian Wars, Genoa vacillated between French and Milanese control. In 1522, it fell under the authority of the Holy Roman Empire. That year, Doria entered the service of the French King Francis I, serving from 1522-1525 and 1527-1528. He was granted the rank of Captain-General.

Displeased with Francis I's parsimony and delays in fulfilling promised concessions, Doria switched allegiance to Emperor Charles V upon the expiration of his contract.

Liberation of Genoa and Establishment of a New Order

In 1528, Doria arrived in Genoa and, with the assistance of prominent citizens and imperial troops, expelled the French. He restored the republic under the auspices of the emperor.

Doria's constitutional reforms established patrician rule, installed officials from the Holy Roman Empire, and abolished the power of factions that had previously controlled districts of the city. The authority of the Doges was curtailed, their term of office reduced from life to two years. Doria himself became the de facto ruler of Genoa, exercising significant influence. He acquired two palaces, numerous privileges, and the titles of Liberator and Father of the Fatherland.

Imperial Service and Campaigns against the Turks

As Admiral, Doria commanded several expeditions against the Turks, capturing Coron and Patras in 1532. Together with the emperor, he participated in the conquest of Tunis in 1535. Charles V found in Doria an invaluable ally in his struggle with Francis I, and through him, extended imperial influence throughout Italy.

Battle of Preveza and Later Campaigns

In 1538, Doria suffered a defeat at the Battle of Preveza at the hands of Hayreddin Barbarossa. This was attributed to his reluctance to engage the Venetians, who were at war with the Turks at the time.

In 1541, Doria participated in Charles V's unsuccessful military campaign in Algiers. He skillfully saved the emperor's army and fleet from annihilation, despite his opposition to the expedition. He continued to serve the emperor for the next five years, participating in various campaigns.