Miguel de Cervantes Birthday, Age & Famous Birthday Twins
Born: 29 September 1547 · Died: 22 April 1616 · Age: 68
Spanish novelist who wrote Don Quixote, the tale of a deluded knight and his squire, often called the first modern novel
Did you know?He lost the use of his left hand after being wounded during a major naval battle.
Quick facts
Date of birth29 September 1547
Date of death22 April 1616
Age at death68
Cause of deathType 2 diabetes
NationalitySpanish
BirthplaceAlcalá de Henares, Spain
Occupationnovelist, playwright, poet
Editor's Take:
Cervantes is often credited with writing the first modern novel, and Don Quixote still feels surprisingly fresh. Its story of an ageing man who reads too many tales of chivalry and sets off to become a knight is both hilarious and deeply moving. The book plays games with its readers, even commenting on fake sequels written by other authors. Cervantes himself lived a dramatic life, including five years as a captive in Algiers after being seized by pirates. The phrase 'tilting at windmills' comes straight from his pages.
Key Milestones
1571: Wounded at the Battle of Lepanto
1575: Captured by pirates and held in Algiers
1580: Ransomed and returns to Spain
1605: Publishes Don Quixote, Part One
1613: Publishes the Exemplary Novels
1615: Publishes Don Quixote, Part Two
Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra ( sur-VAN-teez, -tiz; Spanish:; 29 September 1547 (assumed) – 22 April 1616) was a Spanish writer widely regarded as the greatest writer in the Spanish language and one of the world's pre-eminent novelists.
Miguel de Cervantes's birthday is September 29. He was born on September 29, 1547 in Alcalá de Henares, Spain.
How old was Miguel de Cervantes when he died?
Miguel de Cervantes died on April 22, 1616, aged 68.
Who shares a birthday with Miguel de Cervantes?
Famous people who share Miguel de Cervantes's September 29 birthday include Lech Wałęsa, Enrico Fermi, Silvio Berlusconi, Michelle Bachelet and Caravaggio.
