Castilla de Oro facts for kids
Castilla de Oro (pronounced kas-TEE-yah deh OH-roh) was a name given by Spanish settlers in the early 1500s. It referred to a large area in Central America. This land stretched from the Gulf of Urabá, near the border of modern-day Colombia and Panama, all the way to the Belén River.
Beyond the Belén River was a region called Veragua. The Spanish Crown and the family of Christopher Columbus often argued over who owned Veragua. In May 1513, King Ferdinand II of Aragon officially named the territory "Castilla de Oro."
After Vasco Núñez de Balboa discovered the Pacific Ocean, the area of Castilla de Oro grew. It then included the Pacific coasts of Panama, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua.
Over time, Castilla de Oro's size changed. In 1527, the Province of Nicaragua was created. This new province included modern-day Nicaragua and the Nicoya Peninsula. This made Castilla de Oro smaller. By 1537, the arguments between the Spanish Crown and the Columbus family ended. Castilla de Oro was then split up by the Duchy of Veragua.
The western part of Castilla de Oro included most of Panama's and Costa Rica's Pacific coasts. In 1540, this part joined with Royal Veragua. Together, they formed a new province called Nuevo Cartago y Costa Rica.
The eastern part was the last piece of Castilla de Oro. It later became known as the Realm of Tierra Firme or Panamá. This name became popular after the Royal Academy of Panamá was created in 1538. In 1560, King Philip II of Spain created a new Province of Veragua. This new province was formed from the old Duchy of Veragua. It was then joined with Castilla de Oro.
Leaders of Castilla de Oro
These are the main leaders who governed Castilla de Oro between 1514 and 1540:
- 1514–1526 Pedrarias Dávila: He was the Governor.
- 1526–1529 Pedro de los Ríos y Gutiérrez de Aguayo: He also served as Governor.
- 1529–1532 Antonio de la Gama: He was an Interim (temporary) Governor.
- 1533–1536 Francisco de Barrionuevo: He served as Governor.
- 1536–1539 Pedro Vázquez de Acuña: He was the Governor.
- 1539 Francisco Pérez de Robles: He was the President of the Audiencia of Panama. An Audiencia was like a high court and governing body.
See also
In Spanish: Castilla de Oro para niños
