Lancelotto Malocello facts for kids
Lancelotto Malocello was an Italian explorer from Genoa. He is famous for rediscovering the Canary Islands in the early 1300s. One of these islands, Lanzarote, was named after him. His name, Lancelotto, is the Italian version of the name Lancelot.
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Who Was Lancelotto Malocello?
Lancelotto Malocello was born in a town called Varazze in Italy around 1270. He became a navigator, which means he was skilled at sailing and exploring the seas.
Rediscovering the Canary Islands
In 1312, Lancelotto Malocello sailed to the Canary Islands. These islands were known in ancient times but had been lost to European knowledge for a long time. Malocello's trip helped Europeans rediscover them.
The island of Lanzarote first appeared on a European map in 1339. This map was made by Angelino Dulcert. On the map, the island was called "Ínsula de Lançarote Mallucellus." This means "island of Lancelotto Malocello." Over time, the name was shortened to just "Lanzarote." The people who lived on the island before Malocello arrived called it Tyterogaka.
Life on Lanzarote
Lancelotto Malocello stayed on Lanzarote for almost 20 years. He even built a fortress there. This fortress was still standing nearly a century later. It was located above the area known as Teguise.
During his time on the island, the local people were called the Guanches. Malocello was eventually forced to leave Lanzarote because of a revolt by the Guanches.
Lanzarote's Rulers
When Malocello first arrived, a king named Zonzamas ruled Lanzarote. Later, his daughter Ico and her husband Guanarame became the rulers. Their son, Guadarfia, was the king who met another famous explorer, Jean de Bethencourt, in 1402.
Malocello's Lasting Legacy
Lancelotto Malocello's journey had a big impact. His name lives on through the island of Lanzarote.
Celebrating His Discovery
In 2012, people celebrated the 700th anniversary of Malocello's rediscovery of Lanzarote. Special events were held in many cities. These included Rome, Varazze, Brussels, Madrid, and Lanzarote itself.
A group from Malocello's hometown, Varazze, even visited Lanzarote. They traveled on a cruise ship that followed a route similar to the one Malocello might have taken.
Honoring His Memory
To remember Lancelotto Malocello, a special medal was created. A book about his journey was also published. The cities of Rome and Savona have dedicated public parks to him. These parks honor his important role as an explorer.
An Italian destroyer ship was also named after him. The Lanzerotto Malocello served during the Spanish Civil War and World War II.
See also
In Spanish: Lanceloto Malocello para niños
