Juan de Sanct Martín facts for kids

Juan de Sanct Martín, also known as Juan de San Martín, was a Spanish conquistador. A conquistador was a Spanish explorer and soldier. They helped Spain claim new lands and riches in the 1500s.

Not much is known about Juan de Sanct Martín. Most of what we know comes from old books. He was part of an important journey. This journey started in Santa Marta. It went into the Eastern Mountains of the Andes in Colombia. Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada led this trip.

Important Battles and Towns

Juan de Sanct Martín helped found two towns. He founded Pesca in 1548. He also founded Cuítiva in 1550. Both towns are in the Boyacá area of Colombia.

Battle of Tocarema

Juan de Sanct Martín played a big role in the Battle of Tocarema. This battle happened on August 20, 1538. The Spanish fought against the Panche people. The Panche were a strong native group.

Juan de Sanct Martín led the left side of the Spanish army. Another conquistador, Juan de Céspedes, led the right side. During this battle, Juan de Sanct Martín defeated the leader of the Panche. He was also hurt himself during the fight.

Earlier Encounters with the Panche

Juan de Sanct Martín had met the Panche before. This was in 1537, a year before the big battle. He was sent to explore the western areas. Juan de Céspedes went south. The Panche fought back strongly. Because of their resistance, Juan de Sanct Martín had to return to the Spanish camp.

Towns Founded by Juan de Sanct Martín

Juan de Sanct Martín helped establish several places. Here are some of the towns connected to his explorations:

Name bold is founded	Department	Date	Year	Notes	Map
El Colegio	Cundinamarca		1537
Pesca	Boyacá	20 December	1548
Cuítiva	Boyacá	19 January	1550

See also

In Spanish: Juan de Sanct Martín para niños

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