Gonzalo Macías facts for kids

Gonzalo Macías was a Spanish explorer and soldier, known as a conquistador. He was born around 1509 in Calamonte, Spain. He took part in an important journey from Santa Marta into the land of the Muisca Confederation between 1536 and 1538. This trip was led by Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada. Later, Gonzalo Macías made his home in Tunja, a city that was once the capital of the Muisca leader, the zaque.

Early Life and Family

Gonzalo Macías was born in a town called Calamonte in Extremadura, Spain, around the year 1509. He married Juana Moreno de Figueroa, who was from the same town. They had two daughters named Leonor and Juana.

Their daughter Juana married Francisco Salguero. Together, Juana and Francisco helped start the Santa Clara Monastery in Tunja in 1573. This was the first monastery for nuns in the Americas.

Exploring the New World

Gonzalo Macías was part of the Spanish conquest of the Muisca people. This was a major event in the history of what is now Colombia. He joined the expedition led by Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada.

The Muisca people lived in the highlands of the Andes mountains. They had a rich culture and a well-organized society. The Spanish explorers were looking for gold and new lands.

Life in Tunja

After the conquest, Gonzalo Macías settled in Tunja. This city was very important to the Muisca. It was the main seat of their leader, the zaque.

Many Spanish conquistadors settled in the new lands. They helped establish new towns and governments. Gonzalo Macías was one of these early settlers.

See also

In Spanish: Gonzalo Macías para niños

• List of conquistadors in Colombia
• Spanish conquest of the Muisca
• El Dorado
• Tunja
• Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada