Bayano facts for kids

Bayano, also known as Ballano or Vaino, was an African leader. He was captured by the Portuguese and brought to Panama in the 16th century. There, he led one of the biggest revolts against slavery.

Bayano was from the Yoruba community in West Africa. Some say his name means idol. His revolt started in 1552. It may have begun on the ship during the journey, or after he landed in Panama's Darien area. This area is near the modern-day border with Colombia.

The rebel slaves were called cimarrones. They created their own free communities called palenques. Many of these communities stayed free from Spanish control for hundreds of years. They used a fighting style called guerrilla war. They also made friends with pirates and local native groups who faced similar problems.

Bayano's group had between 400 and 1,200 Cimarrones. They built a palenque named Ronconcholon. It was near what is now the Chepo River, also known as the Bayano River. They fought their guerrilla war for more than five years. During this time, they also worked to build their community.

The Spanish, led by Captain Carreño, found and destroyed Bayano's palenque. They launched a surprise attack and captured Bayano. Captain Carreño took Bayano to Governor Sosa. The Governor was in Nombre de Dios at the time. Governor Sosa decided to forgive Bayano. He even signed a peace agreement with him and set him free. However, Bayano soon continued his attacks.

Later, Pedro de Ursua captured Bayano and 300 of his men. Ursua did this without losing any of his own soldiers. Bayano was sent to the leader of Peru. This leader was curious to meet the man who had fought the authorities for so long. He treated Bayano very kindly. Bayano was then sent to Spain. He lived in the city of Seville for the rest of his life. The Royal Treasury paid for his living expenses.

Bayano's name is still famous in Panama today. A major river, a lake, a valley, a dam, and several companies are named after him.

See also

• Bayano Wars