Editing Miguel López de Legazpi (section)

==Early years==
[[File:Migel_Lopez_Legazpi_jaiotetxea_Zumarraga.jpg|thumb|Birthplace of López de Legazpi in [[Zumarraga, Spain|Zumarraga]], [[Basque Country (greater region)|Basque Country]]]]

Miguel López de Legazpi was born on 12 June 1502 in the town of [[Zumarraga, Spain|Zumarraga]] in the [[Basque Country (autonomous community)|Basque]] province of [[Guipúzcoa]], Spain. His family was wealthy and held important positions in the military and in municipal administration. His father, Juan de Legazpi, was a soldier who fought under [[Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba]] in the [[Italian Wars]]. Later, he led troops against a French army in the Spanish province of Guipúzcoa. His mother, Elvira de Gurruchátegui, also belonged to a distinguished provincial family.<ref name=RLAbio />

The details of his education are unknown, but based on his later work and administrative positions it seems likely that he received training in law. While his father was still alive, López de Legazpi worked as a councilor in the municipal government of his town. After his father's death in 1527, his older brother inherited the family wealth and leadership positions.<ref name=RLAbio />