The New Student's Reference Work/John of Austria

John of Austria was the illegitimate son of Emperor Charles V and Barbara Blomberg, and was born at Regensburg, Germany, on Feb. 24, 1547.  He was brought to Spain while a boy, and after the death of his father he was taken in charge by his half-brother, Philip II.  In 1570 he was given the command of an army sent against the rebellious Moors in Granada.  On Oct. 7, 1571, he gained a great victory over the Turks in the famous naval battle of Lepanto.  He was made viceroy of the Netherlands by his brother in 1576.  By the great battle of Gemblours, in 1577, won against William the Silent, he gained new honors.  Philip, fearing that he might make himself king, became jealous of his growing fame and influence.  John soon after died in camp, perhaps of poison, on Oct. 1, 1578.  See Don John of Austria by Sir W. Stirling-Maxwell.