Antonio de Ciudad Real facts for kids
Antonio de Ciudad Real was a Franciscan friar born in 1551 in Castilla La Nueva, Spain. When he was 15 years old, he joined a religious group called the Convent of San Francisco in Toledo, Spain.
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Who Was Antonio de Ciudad Real?
Antonio de Ciudad Real was a Spanish friar who lived during a time when Spain was exploring and settling new lands. He is best known for his detailed writings about his travels. These writings give us a great look into what life was like in New Spain, which is now mostly Mexico and parts of Central America.
Early Life and Becoming a Friar
Antonio de Ciudad Real was born in 1551. At a young age, he decided to dedicate his life to the church. He joined the Franciscan Order, a group of Catholic friars known for their simple lives and missionary work. He became a friar at the Convent of San Francisco in Toledo, Spain.
Exploring New Spain
In 1573, Antonio de Ciudad Real traveled to Yucatán, a region in what was then called the Viceroyalty of New Spain. He went with Diego de Landa, another important figure from that time. This was a big journey across the ocean to a new continent.
Later, between 1584 and 1589, Antonio went on an even longer trip. He traveled with Alonso Ponce, who was a very important leader in the Franciscan Order. They journeyed from Mexico all the way to Nicaragua. During this trip, they visited many Franciscan convents. These convents were like religious communities where friars lived and worked.
His Important Book
Antonio de Ciudad Real kept a detailed record of his long journey with Alonso Ponce. He wrote down everything he saw and experienced. This record became a famous book called Tratado curioso y docto de las grandezas de la Nueva España. This book is very important today because it tells us a lot about the geography, people, and daily life in New Spain during the 16th century. It's like a historical travel guide!
Later Life and Legacy
In 1603, Antonio de Ciudad Real was chosen to be the provincial of the Franciscan Order. This meant he was a main leader for the Franciscans in his region. He continued his work until he passed away on July 5, 1617, in Mérida, Yucatán, New Spain. His writings continue to be a valuable source for historians and anyone interested in the history of the Americas.
See also
In Spanish: Antonio de Ciudad Real para niños
