Famous Thirteen facts for kids
The Famous Thirteen (in Spanish, Los trece de la fama) were a group of brave Spanish explorers from the 1500s. They were part of an important journey led by Francisco Pizarro to explore and conquer Peru.
In 1527, Pizarro and his men were stuck on a small island called Isla del Gallo. Conditions were very tough. They were running low on supplies and hope. A ship arrived from Panama, led by Juan Tafur. He brought orders from the Spanish governor to stop the expedition and return home.
According to a famous story, Pizarro drew a line in the sand with his sword. He then told his men, "Those who want to go back to Panama and stay poor, cross that line. Those who want to come with me to Peru and become rich, cross this line." The story says that only thirteen men chose to stay with Pizarro. They believed in his dream of finding riches in Peru.
Historians have found different lists of who these thirteen men actually were. There are even up to nineteen possible names for the thirteen spots!
Here is one list of the famous thirteen:
- Nicolás de Ribera "el Viejo"
- Cristóbal de Peralta
- Antón de Carrión
- Pedro de Candia, who was from Greece
- Domingo de Soraluce, a merchant
- Francisco de Cuéllar
- Joan de la Torre y Díaz Chacón
- Pedro de Alcón
- García de Jeréz, another merchant
- Alonso de Briceño
- Alonso de Molina
- Gonzalo Martín de Trujillo
- Martín de Paz
Also, a very skilled pilot named Bartolomé Ruiz was with them.
What Happened Next?
In 1529, an important agreement called the Capitulacion was made. This agreement gave special honors to the men who stayed with Pizarro. Bartolomé Ruiz was made the Grand Pilot of the Southern Ocean. This meant he was the most important pilot in that area. Pedro de Candia was put in charge of all the cannons and weapons. The other eleven men were given special titles. They became hidalgos and cavalleros. These titles meant they were recognized as noblemen and knights.
See also
- In Spanish: Trece de la Fama para niños
- The Nine Worthies are also known as los nueve de la fama in Spanish.
