Francisco de Montejo (the Nephew) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Francisco de Montejo
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|---|---|
| Born |
Francisco de Montejo
1514 |
| Died | 1572 (aged 57–58) |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Occupation | Conquistador |
| Relatives |
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Francisco de Montejo (1514–1572) was a Spanish explorer and soldier. He was known as "the Nephew" (el Sobrino). He played a big part in the Spanish conquest of the Yucatán Peninsula.
Contents
Early Life and the Conquest of Yucatán
Francisco de Montejo was only 13 years old when he joined his uncle, also named Francisco de Montejo. His uncle was known as "the Older" (el Adelantado). His cousin, Francisco de Montejo y León, known as "the Younger" (el Mozo), also joined them.
In 1527, they all set off to conquer the Yucatán Peninsula. This area is now part of Mexico.
Founding Valladolid
On May 28, 1543, "the Nephew" founded a town called Valladolid. It was built near the Chouac-Ha lagoon. Today, Valladolid is a city in the Mexican state of Yucatán.
About a year later, the town was moved. It was rebuilt further inland, on the site of an old Maya town called Zací. Even today, people who speak the Yucatec Maya language still call Valladolid by its original name, Saki.
Challenges and Leadership
During the third part of the conquest, "the Nephew" helped set up the first Spanish base in San Pedro Champotón. This was a place where local people started paying taxes to the Spanish.
His uncle and cousin were gathering supplies and soldiers. This made the start of the main attack slow. The Spanish soldiers were in danger because Maya leaders (called caciques) were planning against them.
To stop these plans, "the Nephew" took the main Maya leaders captive. He brought them to his cousin in Tabasco. There, the leaders promised to obey the Spanish king again. After this event, San Pedro Champotón was renamed "Salamanca de Champotón."
Final Campaigns and Later Life
With new supplies, "the Nephew" began the third and final part of the conquest. He moved from the west to the east of the Yucatán Peninsula. He often led these military campaigns himself. His cousin "the Younger" and other captains also helped.
"The Nephew" spent his last years in Mérida. He served as a councilman there. He passed away in 1572, at the age of 55.
See also
In Spanish: Francisco de Montejo (el sobrino) para niños
