Bruno Mauricio de Zabala facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bruno Mauricio de Zabala
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| Born | 6 October 1682 |
| Died | 31 January 1736 (aged 53) |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Occupation | Governor |
Bruno Mauricio de Zabala y Gortázar (1682–1736) was an important Spanish soldier and leader. He worked as the governor of a large region called the Governorate of the Río de la Plata from 1717 to 1734. He is best known for starting the city of Montevideo, which is now the capital of Uruguay.
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Bruno Mauricio de Zabala's Life Story
Bruno Mauricio de Zabala was born in 1682 in a place called Zabala, near Durango in Spain. His father was a successful merchant who earned a lot of money in the New World (the Americas).
Today, the house where Zabala was born is still standing. It has special plaques on its walls that remember his achievements as a soldier in faraway lands.
Becoming a Governor
In 1717, Zabala was chosen to be the Captain General of the Río de la Plata region. This was a very important job, like being the main leader and military commander.
His main tasks were to stop piracy (sea robbers) and deal with the Portuguese. The Portuguese wanted to control the Río de la Plata area for themselves.
Founding Montevideo
To challenge the Portuguese, Zabala decided to build a strong coastal fort in 1724. This new settlement was named San Felipe y Santiago de Montevideo.
Montevideo quickly became the main center for Spanish control in the area known as the Banda Oriental. Later, this city grew to become the capital of Uruguay.
Later Years and Death
Zabala also briefly served as the temporary governor of Paraguay in 1725 and again in 1735. At that time, Paraguay was part of a huge Spanish territory called the Viceroyalty of Peru.
He passed away in Paraguay in 1736, at the age of 53, after having a stroke.
See also
