Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra wrote Don Quixote, considered the first modern novel, in 1605 and 1615. It follows the adventures of Alonso Quixada, who takes the name Don Quixote and becomes a knight errant to emulate chivalric romances. He is joined by his squire Sancho Panza. Through their adventures, the novel satirizes romantic chivalric tales and illuminates human nature.