Origins & Early Life

Pedro Romero Martínez (19 November 1754 – 10 February 1839) was a bullfighter from the Romero family in Ronda, Spain. His grandfather Francisco is credited with advancing the art of using the muleta; his father and two brothers were also toreros. As a youth he participated in bullfights in Algeciras and in Seville in 1772; and in Madrid, with his father and Costillares, in 1775. In the following year he killed 285 bulls, establishing his reputation.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He allegedly fought 5,558 bulls without incurring serious injury before retiring in 1799. He was known as the first matador to present the bullfight as an art form as well as a display of courage. After retiring, Romero was appointed the head of a bullfighting school in Seville. Although the school lasted only from 1830 to 1832, it had an enormous influence where Romero offered his knowledge to matadors-in-training. He is credited with the invention of the classical style of bullfighting in the School of Ronda and Pedro Romero's name is inseparable from the Plaza de Toros (bullring).

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He killed numerous bulls in a bullring in Madrid at the age of eighty, probably the last corrida he fought. Hemingway, in his novel...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Henry Fielding — Contemporary (Died in 1754) (1754): Satirical novelist and playwright, credited with founding the English novel.
• Louis XVI — Contemporary (Born in 1754) (1754): Last King of France, whose reign spanned Enlightenment reforms and revolutionary downfall.
• Pavel Tsitsianov — Contemporary (Born in 1754) (1754): Russian general of Georgian noble origin, key figure in the conquest of the South Caucasus.
• Anne Lee Guinness — Contemporary (Born in 1839) (1839): Irish philanthropist known for establishing nursing homes and supporting the poor in Dublin.
• Bernardino Caballero — Contemporary (Born in 1839) (1839): Influential Paraguayan general and statesman, founder of the Colorado Party.
• Charles Sanders Peirce — Contemporary (Born in 1839) (1839): Pioneering American philosopher, logician, and scientist, known for pragmatism.
• Alan J. Pakula — Shared historical date (11-19 · Died) (1998): American film director, writer, and producer known for political thrillers.
• Alexander I of Russia — Shared historical date (11-19 · Died) (1825): Emperor of Russia during the Napoleonic era, known for liberal reforms and military campaigns.
• Abdul Hamid II — Shared historical date (02-10 · Died) (1918): Last effective Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, navigating decline and constitutional upheaval.
• Alex Haley — Shared historical date (02-10 · Died) (1992): Pioneering author of 'Roots,' who brought Black American genealogy to global prominence.
• 1754 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1754
• November 19 (11-19) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on November 19
• 1839 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1839
• February 10 (02-10) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on February 10