Juan Godínez facts for kids

Juan Godíñez (1517 - 1571) was a Spanish Conquistador who played a part in the early history of South America. He was born in Úbeda, Spain. He traveled to the Americas in 1532, when he was about 15 years old.

Godíñez first arrived in Peru. There, he joined Diego de Almagro in a military campaign in Chile. He also helped control the area around Manco Inca in Peru. He took part in expeditions led by captains Pedro de Candia and Diego de Rojas.

In 1540, Juan Godíñez returned to Chile with Pedro de Valdivia. He fought in the wars of the Conquest of Chile. He continued to serve until García Hurtado de Mendoza arrived.

Role in Battles

Juan Godíñez was a captain of cavalry, which means he led soldiers on horseback. In 1556, he fought against Lautaro, a famous Mapuche leader. After the Battle of Peteroa, his group chased the Mapuche forces. They destroyed a part of Lautaro's army near the Maule River.

In 1557, Godíñez's soldiers, who were defending Santiago, Chile, joined forces with Governor Francisco de Villagra. Together, they defeated Lautaro's army in the Battle of Mataquito. After these events, Godíñez served in García Hurtado de Mendoza's army. He took part in the Arauco War in southern Chile.

Life and Family

Juan Godíñez was an encomendero in Choapa. This meant he was given control over a group of native people and their land. He was also a regidor (a council member) in Santiago, Chile in 1550, 1554, and 1556.

In 1557, he married Catalina de la Cueva. They had eight children together. One of his daughters, Leonor Godínez, married Don Juan Hurtado. He was a public notary in Serena and Santiago. Juan Godíñez passed away in 1571.

See also

In Spanish: Juan Godínez para niños