Diego Hernández de Serpa facts for kids

Diego Hernández de Serpa (born around 1510 – died May 10, 1570) was a Spanish explorer and soldier, also known as a conquistador. He played a part in Spain's efforts to explore and settle new lands in northern South America, especially the area known today as Venezuela. He worked under the support of Philip II of Spain.

Early Life and Adventures

Diego Hernández de Serpa was born in a town called Palos de la Frontera in Spain, around the year 1510. He started traveling to the Spanish Americas when he was quite young.

In 1524, Diego and his brother, Ginés Hernández de Serpa, went to a small island called Cubagua. This island is off the coast of what is now Venezuela. Cubagua was a busy place because of its valuable pearl industry, and the two brothers found success there.

Searching for El Dorado

In 1530, Hernández joined an expedition led by Diego de Ordás. They traveled up the Orinoco River, searching for the legendary El Dorado. This was a fabled city of gold that many explorers dreamed of finding.

Fighting Pirates

For seven years, until 1537, Hernández was busy defending the island of Cubagua from pirates. He spent this time sailing around the Caribbean Sea, chasing after these sea robbers, also known as corsairs.

Around 1537, there were problems in a settlement called New Cadiz. Many colonists from Cubagua moved to a new area where more oyster beds (for pearls) were found.

Travels and Family

Around 1539, Diego Hernández de Serpa moved to Quito, a city where he lived with his family for about eight years. His journeys took him to other important cities like Santa Marta and Cartagena in Colombia, and then to Panama. After these travels, he returned to Spain for two years.

While in Spain, in 1550, Hernández married Constanza Alonzo. They had a son named Garcí, born around 1545, and a daughter named Leonor, born in 1551.

Influence and Expeditions

During his many travels, Diego Hernández de Serpa became good friends with Juan Caballero. Juan was the son of a very wealthy man in the Antilles and the new colony of Paria. This friendship gave Diego important political and economic connections.

After spending 48 years in the Americas, Hernández felt he deserved a reward for his service to the Spanish crown. He asked to be appointed governor of Paria and Cumaná.

Conquering New Lands

Hernández began discussions with the Royal Audiencia of Santo Domingo about a new project: conquering Guayana in northern South America. These talks started in 1544, and the plan was finally approved in 1549. He was given troops and named the captain of the Guayana conquest.

However, this plan was quickly put on hold because it lacked full royal approval. There was also opposition from the colonial governor of Isla Margarita in the Caribbean Sea.

Eventually, Hernández was able to move past Isla Margarita. He was named Mayor and Captain of War for Maracapana, an area on the mainland. He then led an expedition toward El Tocuyo on the Tocuyo River. After a long six-month march, he reached his destination in the middle of 1552. He also helped establish a new city called Nueva Segovia de Barquisimeto, which is known today as Barquisimeto, in 1552.

Diego Hernández de Serpa passed away on May 10, 1570.

See also

In Spanish: Diego Hernández de Serpa para niños

• Colonial Venezuela-related articles