Juan Valiente facts for kids

Juan Valiente (born around 1505, died 1553 in Tucapel) was a brave black conquistador from Spain. A conquistador was a Spanish explorer and soldier who helped conquer lands in the Americas. Juan Valiente joined important expeditions led by Pedro de Almagro in what is now Guatemala and Chile.

Juan Valiente was born in Western Africa. Sadly, he was taken captive and forced into slavery in 1505. He was then transported across the ocean to Mexico. There, a Spanish colonist named Alonso Valiente bought him. Alonso had Juan baptized as a Catholic and gave him the name Juan Valiente. When Alonso returned to Spain, he took young Juan with him as a servant.

Juan Valiente: A Black Conquistador

Juan Valiente's story is special because he was an enslaved person who became a conquistador. In 1533, he made an agreement with his master. This agreement allowed him to join a conquistador's journey. He hoped to earn money from the expedition. His plan was to share his earnings with his master and then buy his freedom.

Journey to the New World

Juan Valiente sailed to Guatemala and joined an expedition led by Pedro de Alvarado. He later traveled to Chile with Alvarado. There, he became part of Pedro de Valdivia's group of explorers.

Many black conquistadors, like Juan Garrido in Mexico, also took part in these expeditions. Some were born in Africa and later became free. Juan Valiente was one of these brave individuals who helped explore new lands.

Life in Chile and Legacy

Juan Valiente played a key role in establishing Santiago de Chile. This city was founded in 1541. For his efforts, he received a piece of land. He used this land for a ranch on the edge of the city. Four years later, he was given an important assignment.

Building Santiago

Juan Valiente married Juana de Valdivia. She was also an African woman and a former slave. She had once been held by a governor. In Chile, Juan Valiente became quite successful. He was able to live freely and build a new life.

A Fight for Freedom

Juan's former master, Alonso Valiente, remembered their agreement. He wanted the money Juan had promised to pay for his freedom. Juan tried to send the payment, but it seems there was a problem with the person handling the money.

Alonso Valiente extended the payment time. In 1541, he even sent his grandson to Chile. The grandson was supposed to work out a price for Juan's freedom. However, it was too late. Juan Valiente died in 1553. He was buried in Araucanía. His story shows the complex lives of people during that time.