Juan de Ampudia facts for kids

Juan de Ampudia was a Spanish explorer and a leader known as a conquistador. He was born in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, and played a part in founding many towns and cities in the Americas.

He helped the Spanish explore and take control of lands in places like Nicaragua, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. Juan de Ampudia traveled with another famous explorer, Pedro de Alvarado, to Peru. Later, he helped establish the city of San Francisco de Quito on December 6, 1534. You can still see his name in the Metropolitan Cathedral in Quito today.

Early Roles in Quito

Juan de Ampudia became one of the first mayors, also known as alcaldes, of the city government in Quito. He shared this important role with Diego de Tapia. He also started the very first factory in the area that made roof tiles. This factory was on a hill now called "El Tejar."

Ampudia worked with Sebastián de Belalcázar to bring peace to the region around Quito. However, some of his actions led to local leaders and people rebelling against the Spanish.

Further Expeditions and Challenges

Captain de Ampudia later joined an expedition led by Pedro de Añasco. Together, they founded the town of Timbío on November 1, 1535. He went on many journeys along the Cauca River. Because of his bravery and actions there, people gave him a special nickname: "Atila del Cauca."

On December 24, 1536, he and his soldiers captured a hill called El Azafate. This was important because it secured the path for De Belalcázar to found the city of Popayán on January 13, 1537.

His Final Journey

Juan de Ampudia followed orders from Benalcazar to pursue a captain named Osorio who was rebelling. On his way back to Popayán in 1541, he was hurt by spears and sadly passed away.

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