Domingo Vandewalle facts for kids
Domingo Vandewalle (also known as Domingo Van de Walle de Cervellón) was an important Spanish explorer and military leader. He was born in 1720 in Santa Cruz de La Palma and passed away in 1776 in the same city. He is famous for being the first person to discover ancient engravings made by the Guanches people in the Belmaco cave. This amazing discovery happened in 1752 in the area of Villa de Mazo in the Canary Islands.
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Who Was Domingo Vandewalle?
Domingo Vandewalle was a key figure in the 18th century on the Canary Islands. He served as a military commander in Las Palmas. His work helped to explore and understand more about these islands. He was known for his leadership and his interest in the history of the Canary Islands.
Exploring the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are a group of Spanish islands off the coast of Africa. They have a rich history and unique natural features. As an explorer, Vandewalle helped to map and document parts of these islands. His journeys were important for understanding the geography and history of the region.
The Guanches People
The Guanches were the original native people of the Canary Islands. They lived there before the arrival of Europeans. They left behind many signs of their culture, including cave engravings. These engravings are like ancient drawings or carvings on rock. They tell us about the lives and beliefs of the Guanches.
Discovery of Belmaco Cave
One of Domingo Vandewalle's most significant achievements was finding the Guanches engravings in the Belmaco cave. This discovery happened in 1752. The cave is located in the municipality of Villa de Mazo on the island of La Palma.
What Are the Belmaco Engravings?
The engravings in Belmaco cave are very old and special. They are carvings made by the Guanches people on the cave walls. These carvings include symbols, shapes, and sometimes figures. They give us clues about the ancient culture and art of the island's first inhabitants.
Why Was This Discovery Important?
Vandewalle's discovery of the Belmaco engravings was very important. It helped historians and archaeologists learn more about the Guanches. It showed that these ancient people had a developed culture and artistic skills. The cave became a protected site, allowing future generations to study and appreciate this history.
Legacy of Domingo Vandewalle
Domingo Vandewalle is remembered for his contributions to the exploration and understanding of the Canary Islands. His discovery of the Belmaco cave engravings was a major step. It opened up new ways to study the ancient history of the islands. His work continues to be valued by historians today.
See also
- Guanches
- Santa Cruz de La Palma
- Canary Islands
