Francisco Burgoa facts for kids
Francisco Burgoa (born in Oaxaca, around 1600; died in Tepozotlán in 1681) was a historian and a member of the Dominican Order in Mexico. The Dominican Order is a group of Catholic priests and brothers. He joined this order on August 2, 1629. Soon after, he became a master in theology, which means he was very knowledgeable about religious studies.
Burgoa wrote many large and important books about the history of his home province, Antequera (now called Oaxaca). These books are very rare and valuable today. However, some parts of his writings might not be completely accurate. He used information from other historians, like Agustín Dávila Padilla, but focused on the work of Dominicans in Oaxaca.
His Life and Work
Francisco Burgoa served as a priest in several Native American communities. He was known for his excellent knowledge of the local languages, Zapotec and Mixtec.
In 1649, he became the Provincial of the Province of San Hipólito. This meant he was a main leader of the Dominican Order in that region. He also attended a big meeting of his order in Rome in 1656.
When he returned to Mexico, he had several important titles. He was a vicar-general, which is a high-ranking assistant. He also worked for the Spanish Inquisition, helping to inspect libraries in New Spain (Mexico). In 1662, he became Provincial of Oaxaca again. Burgoa was very interested in church projects and improvements. He was highly respected when he passed away.
His Important Books
Francisco Burgoa is best known for two historical and geographical books:
- Palestra histórica, ó Historia de la Provincia de San Hipólito de Oaxaca, de la Orden de Predicadores (published in Mexico, 1670).
- Descripción geográfica de la América setentrional (published in Mexico, 1674).
He also published many sermons and wrote a book called Itinerario de Oaxaca á Roma y de Roma a Oaxaca.
Sources
- Pinelo, Epitome de la biblioteca oriental y occidental (Madrid, 1737)
- Nicolás Antonio, Bibliotheca hispana nova (Madrid, 1733–38)
- Eguiara, Biblioteca mexicana (Mexico, 1755)
- Beristain, Biblioteca hispano-americana etc. (Amecameca, 1883)
- Brasseur de Bourbourg, Bibl. mexico-guatemalienne (Paris, 1871).
See also
In Spanish: Francisco de Burgoa para niños
