Francisco Ximénez facts for kids
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Francisco Ximénez (born November 28, 1666 – died around 1729) was a Dominican priest. He is famous for saving an important ancient story of the Maya called the Popol Vuh. Not much is known about his early life. He was born in Spain and came to the Americas in 1688.
Contents
Who Was Francisco Ximénez?
His Journey to the New World
Francisco Ximénez was born in Spain. He joined a special school to become a priest. In 1688, he traveled across the ocean to the "New World." This was a name for the Americas back then. He finished his training there.
Starting His Work as a Priest
Father Ximénez began his work as a priest in 1691. He served in places like San Juan Sacatepéquez and San Pedro de las Huertas. These towns are in what is now Guatemala. While working there, he learned Kaqchikel. This is a language spoken by the Maya people.
In December 1693, Ximénez became a Doctrinero. This meant he was a priest in charge of teaching. He held this job for at least ten years. During this time, he moved to Santo Tomás Chichicastenango. This town is also known as Chuilá. He was there between 1701 and 1703. He also worked in Rabinal from 1704 to 1714.
Ximénez and the Popol Vuh
Discovering an Ancient Maya Story
Francisco Ximénez spent time in Santo Tomás Chichicastenango. This was from 1701 to 1703. It was likely during this period that he found the Popol Vuh. This book is a very old story of the Maya people. It tells about their history and how they believed the world began.
How He Saved the Popol Vuh
Ximénez carefully copied the Popol Vuh. He wrote it down in both the original Maya language and in Spanish. This was very important. It helped keep the story safe for future generations. Without his work, this amazing ancient text might have been lost forever.
Ximénez did not give the book its modern name, Popol Vuh. Later, in 1715, he included a version of it in his own book. This larger work was called Historia de la provincia de San Vicente de Chiapa y Gvatemala.
Other Writings by Ximénez
Besides the Popol Vuh, Francisco Ximénez wrote other books. One was called Primera parte de el tesoro de las lengvas 3a3chiquel Qviche y 4,vtvhil. Another was Historia natural del Reino de Guatemala. These books also helped us learn about the languages and nature of the region.
See also
In Spanish: Francisco Ximénez para niños
