How long was Miguel de Cervantes held captive in Algiers?

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Engraving of Miguel de Cervantes, shown with a mustache and beard, wearing a ruffled collar and cloak, based on works by Gregorio Ferro and Fernando Selma. — Miguel de Cervantes Miguel de Cervantes, engraving by E. Mackenzie after Gregorio Ferro and Fernando Selma; from *The Imperial Dictionary of Universal Biography* (1863).

Miguel de Cervantes was held captive in Algiers for five years, from his capture in September 1575 until his release in September 1580.1

During this period, he was sold into slavery after his ship was attacked by Barbary pirates. His captivity was prolonged because the letters of commendation he carried led his captors to believe he was a person of high importance, which significantly increased his ransom price. Despite making four daring attempts to escape, he was eventually freed after his family and the Trinitarian friars raised the 500 gold escudos required for his release.1