Rafael Sánchez Mazas (Madrid, 1894-1966) is a fundamental figure for understanding contemporary Spanish history. An intellectual, politician, and writer, he was a founding member of the Falange, a minister under Franco, and the main ideologue of Spanish National Catholic fascism. The protagonist of a life worthy of a film, full of adventures and pivotal moments, in January 1939 he was saved from being shot by Republican troops at the sanctuary of Santa María del Collell (Garrotxa). This episode made his fortune, and in 2001, the Girona writer Javier Cercas revived it, with a varying dose of fiction, for the plot of his novel. famous novel Soldiers of Salamis.