Juan Martínez de Ampiés facts for kids
Juan Martínez de Ampiés (sometimes spelled Ampués) was a Spanish officer. He became the first governor of a region in South America called Venezuela Province. This was from 1527 to 1529. He is famous for starting the city of Santa Ana de Coro in July 1527. Juan Martínez de Ampiés left Venezuela when a German banking family, the Welsers, took control. They had made a deal with King Charles V of Spain. This deal led to the German colonization of the Americas.
Juan Martínez de Ampiés also served as the governor of Santo Domingo. This was a very important Spanish colony in the Caribbean.
Early Life and Career
Juan Martínez de Ampiés was born at an unknown date. By 1514, he was working for the Spanish government in Hispaniola. This island is now shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic. He was a "factor," which meant he managed goods and supplies for the treasury. Other important officials working with him included Gil González Dávila and Miguel de Pasamonte.
Governor of Venezuela Province
In 1527, Juan Martínez de Ampiés was given the important job of governor of Venezuela Province. This was a new Spanish territory. He worked to establish Spanish rule in the area. His biggest achievement was founding the city of Santa Ana de Coro. This city became a key center for the Spanish in Venezuela.
The Welser Agreement
Juan Martínez de Ampiés's time as governor was short. The King of Spain, Charles V, had borrowed a lot of money from a powerful German banking family called the Welser family. To pay them back, the king gave the Welsers rights to explore and govern Venezuela. This agreement meant that Juan Martínez de Ampiés had to leave his post. The Welsers then began their own efforts to colonize the region.
Legacy
Juan Martínez de Ampiés played a key role in the early history of Spanish Venezuela. He helped set up the first Spanish settlements. His founding of Santa Ana de Coro was a lasting contribution. He died in 1533.
See also
In Spanish: Juan Martín de Ampués para niños
