Britannica Sources used in this answer

How was Miguel de Cervantes captured by Barbary pirates?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

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).

In September 1575, Miguel de Cervantes was traveling by sea from Italy to Spain after completing his military service. During this voyage, his ship was attacked and captured by Barbary pirates.

Following the capture, Cervantes and his brother, Rodrigo, were taken to Algiers and sold into slavery. Because Cervantes carried letters of commendation to the king from prominent figures, his captors believed he was a person of high importance. This perception significantly increased his ransom price, which prolonged his captivity for five years until his family and the Trinitarian friars were able to raise the 500 gold escudos required for his release in 1580.1