Diego de Rosales facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Diego de Rosales
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Historia General del Reino de Chile
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| Born | 1601 |
| Died | 1677 (aged 75–76) |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Occupation | Chronicler, author |
Diego de Rosales (born in Madrid, Spain in 1601 – died in Santiago, Chile in 1677) was an important Spanish writer and historian. He is best known for his book, Historia General del Reino de Chile, which tells the story of Chile.
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Early Life and Work
Diego de Rosales grew up in his hometown of Madrid. There, he joined a religious group called the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits.
In 1629, he traveled to Chile. He was sent to live at the Jesuit home in Arauco.
A Chaplain in War
Diego de Rosales became a chaplain for the army. This meant he provided spiritual support to soldiers during the Arauco War. This war was a long conflict between the Spanish and the Mapuche people.
In 1640, he became a priest in Santiago. During his time in Chile, he learned a lot about the Mapuche language and their way of life.
Close to Governors
He became friends with important leaders like governors Francisco López de Zúñiga and Martín de Mujica y Buitrón. He even joined them at peace meetings, called parliaments, during the Arauco War. These meetings happened in 1641 and 1647.
Adventures and Leadership
In 1650, the Governor, Antonio de Acuña Cabrera, asked Diego de Rosales to go on a special journey. He traveled to the Pehuenche tribes, who lived east of Villarica. He also visited Lake Nahuelhuapi.
During the Mapuche Uprising
In 1655, there was a big rebellion. Diego de Rosales was in a place called Boroa. The Mapuche surrounded Boroa for many months. In January 1656, the Spanish had to leave the area.
He was then taken to Concepción. There, he became the head of the Jesuit college. He stayed in Concepción until 1662.
Leading the Jesuits
After his time in Concepción, he moved to Santiago. He was chosen to be the leader of the Jesuit group in Chile. He held this important job until 1666.
Later, he became the head of the main Jesuit college in Santiago. He also led the Jesuits again from 1670 to 1672.
Work as a Historian
Diego de Rosales finished writing his most famous book, Historia General del Reino de Chile, in 1674. This book is a very important historical record.
What His Book Covers
- The first two parts of his book describe the land of Chile. He wrote about its geography, animals, plants, and the lives and customs of the native people.
- The second part of the book tells the history of Chile. It starts from when Diego de Almagro arrived. It continues up to the big Mapuche rebellion of 1655.
However, his book was not published right away. It was finally printed in Valparaiso in 1877. This happened because Benjamín Vicuña Mackenna bought the book in London in 1870.
Diego de Rosales's Historia also describes events like the Dutch expedition to Valdivia.
Other Writings
Diego de Rosales also wrote another book about the Jesuits in Chile. It was called Conquista Espiritual del reino de Chile. This book included stories about important missionaries. It also had tales of miracles and wonders, which were common in writings from that time. Sadly, only parts of this book have survived.
In his writings, Rosales often used information from other sources, like those by Garcilaso de la Vega. Some studies show that his writings might have a few mistakes or exaggerations.
See also
In Spanish: Diego de Rosales para niños
