Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra was born into a family of modest means. His father was a barber-surgeon. He would become Spain's greatest writer and author of Don Quixote.

Left Spain possibly to avoid arrest for wounding a man in a duel. In Rome, he worked as a chamberlain for Cardinal Giulio Acquaviva.

Fought heroically at the Battle of Lepanto against the Ottoman fleet. Despite being ill with fever, he fought and received three gunshot wounds, permanently losing use of his left hand.

While returning to Spain, his ship was captured by Ottoman pirates. He was taken to Algiers as a slave, where he would spend five years in captivity.

Finally ransomed after multiple escape attempts. His family and Trinitarian friars paid his ransom. These experiences would later influence his writing.

Published his first major work, the pastoral novel 'La Galatea'. Though not highly successful, it established him as a serious writer.

Became a commissary for the Spanish Armada, collecting grain and provisions. This difficult job involved constant travel and brought him into conflict with local officials.

Imprisoned in Seville when a banker with whom he had deposited government funds went bankrupt. He may have begun writing Don Quixote during this imprisonment.

Published the first part of 'El ingenioso hidalgo don Quixote de la Mancha'. It was an immediate success across Europe and is considered the first modern novel.

Published 'Novelas ejemplares', a collection of twelve short stories that showcased his range and established the novella form in Spanish literature.

A false sequel to Don Quixote appeared under a pseudonym. This spurred Cervantes to complete his own genuine second part.

Published the second part of Don Quixote, considered even more sophisticated than the first. The complete work transformed European literature.

Died in Madrid, just days before Shakespeare's death. Don Quixote remains one of the most influential works in world literature, translated into more languages than any book except the Bible.