Arasibo facts for kids
Aracibo was a respected Taíno leader, also known as a Cacique, who lived around the late 1400s. He governed a region in Puerto Rico that is now named after him: Arecibo.
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Life Before the Europeans Arrived
Aracibo was the leader of a tribe whose village was located near the "Abacoa" river. This river is known today as the "Río Grande de Arecibo". Aracibo was known as a fair and respected cacique. His tribe lived a peaceful life before the Spanish arrived.
The rivers near their village were full of fish and turtles. Because of this, many people in Aracibo's tribe were fishermen. Their land also grew many fruits, like papayas, and they grew corn. Aracibo enjoyed collecting different animals and birds. Like other Caciques, he reported only to the main leader, Agüeybaná I.
Arrival of the Spanish
At first, the relationship between the Spanish and the Taínos was peaceful. However, this changed when the Spanish Conquistadores (Spanish explorers and conquerors) began to enslave the native people.
In 1511, Agüeybaná II (also called "The Brave"), who was Agüeybaná I's brother, realized that the Spanish were not "gods". This encouraged him to lead a rebellion against the invaders. Sadly, the rebellion failed. Juan Ponce de León's troops fought and defeated Agüeybaná II.
Historical Records of Arecibo
The Crónicas de Arecibo are historical writings by Puerto Rican historian Cayetano Coll y Toste. In his writings, Toste shared facts he found through his research. He discovered that in 1515, the Spanish Crown gave all the land of Arecibo, including the "Rio Grande" and "Tanama" rivers, as a gift to a man named Lope Conchillos y Quintana. Conchillos lived in Spain.
Conchillos sent a helper named "Pedro Moreno" to Puerto Rico to manage his new lands. Moreno found Aracibo and his tribe of about 200 Taínos living there. Moreno then forced them to work for him. Sadly, Aracibo and his people did not live much longer after this.
Aracibo's Legacy
The crown shown in the coat of arms of the City of Arecibo represents the importance of Cacique Aracibo. He was the first known leader of that region.
See also
- List of Puerto Ricans
- List of Taínos
- Agüeybaná I
- Agüeybaná II
- Hayuya
- Jumacao
- Orocobix
- Tibes Indigenous Ceremonial Center
