kids encyclopedia robot

Marina de la Caballería facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Doña

Marina Flores Gutierrez de la Caballería
Born unknown
Died 1540
Occupation Settler, pioneer
Title Poblador of New Spain, Vecino of New Spain
Spouse(s)
(m. 1508; died 1530)
Children 5
Parents
  • Juan Gutierrez de la Caballeria (father)
  • Mayor Flores de Guevara (mother)
Relatives Diego Gutiérrez de la Caballeria (brother)

Marina de la Caballería, whose full name was Doña Marina Flores Gutierrez de la Caballería, was an important Spanish pioneer and noblewoman. She helped settle the land known as New Spain in the 1500s. She arrived in the New World in 1528 to join her husband, Alonso de Estrada. Marina passed away in 1540.

Early Life and Family Background

Marina was born in Almagro, a city in Spain. Her mother, Mayor Flores de Guevara, came from a noble family. This family was even distantly related to Isabella I of Castile, a famous queen of Spain. Because of her mother's family, Marina gained noble status and the right to be called Doña.

Her father, Juan Gutierrez de la Caballeria, was a very successful merchant. He supplied goods to the Order of Calatrava, a powerful knightly order. Marina had five brothers and sisters who grew up. It was common in Spain for children to use their mother's last name first if it was more important. Marina and four of her siblings did this.

Historians believe Marina's family were "New Christians." This means they were Jewish families who had converted to Christianity. Even so, Marina's family was well-respected in Almagro. They were very involved in the city's daily life and government. Several of Marina's relatives were members of the city council. Her family's ancestors had also served as royal advisors for a long time.

However, the time of tolerance for Jewish people and converts in Spain was ending. After a special law called the Alhambra Decree, many Jewish families in Almagro chose to leave rather than convert. Those who did convert were often watched closely by the Spanish inquisition. This was to make sure they were truly Christian. Marina's family did not face as many problems as others. The king even gave them special papers. These papers said they were "pure of blood," meaning they were considered loyal regardless of their family history.

Marina was taught how a noble woman should act. She likely received a good education, perhaps learning subjects like math and history. This was thanks to Queen Isabella, who believed in educating noble women. This good education may have helped Marina later in Mexico.

Marriage and Moving to New Spain

In 1508, Marina married Alonso de Estrada in Ciudad Real, Spain. Alonso was a son of King Ferdinand II, born outside of marriage. He grew up in the royal court and was well-respected, wealthy, and very smart. Their marriage was a great partnership. Alonso quickly rose in power because he was a nephew of Charles I of Spain.

While Alonso traveled to Mexico City to serve the king, Marina managed their growing properties. They had five children together. In 1522, Alonso became the treasurer and governor of New Spain. He had to leave for the New World. Marina stayed in Spain with their children. She waited until her oldest son was old enough to manage the family's properties. Then, she prepared to travel to the New World herself.

Journey to America

Marina likely traveled to Mexico City in 1523 with a group of other women. These trips were organized by the Spanish crown. They helped conquerors in America reunite with their families.

During her journey, Marina traveled with her two youngest children. Her brother, Diego de Caballeria, also came with them. The group arrived in Mexico City and joined Alonso. At that time, the city was mostly populated by native people. Marina learned basic Nahuatl, the local language, to talk with merchants and neighbors. Her home soon became a popular place for social gatherings in the city.

Life as a Widow

Alonso died in 1530. Marina was left to care for herself and her three unmarried daughters. Under Spanish law, a widow kept her husband's social status. She also became the main heir to his property. She managed her daughters' inheritance too.

Marina had to go to court many times. She fought to control her husband's money and to bury him in a way that showed his high rank. Marina also had to finish her husband's last year as treasurer. The Spanish king checked the accounting books every year. Marina successfully explained and balanced all the reports from New Spain.

However, Alonso's books showed a lot of money missing. Because of this, Marina's properties in Ciudad Real were taken by the king. This was to pay back the missing money until she could repay it. For three years, Marina argued with the Council of the Indies. This was about a shipment of silver Alonso had sent to his children in Spain. The argument was whether the money was personal or stolen from the government. She also fought in court for the ownership of several encomiendas. These were grants of land and native labor. She fought so hard that Joanna of Castile, the queen, personally got involved.

Marina was very smart about her daughters' marriages. She married them to some of the most important people in Mexico. One daughter married someone close to the powerful House of Mendoza family. This helped Marina with her legal claims. Another daughter married the new treasurer.

Marina also worked hard to get all the respect her husband used to have. After several years, she received a special permission. She was allowed to own two enslaved people. This was a privilege that her husband and other early conquerors had enjoyed.

Marina's Lasting Impact

Marina continued to use her social influence and legal skills. She also arranged good marriages for her children. This helped her grow her wealth and power. At the same time, she wrote letters to the king of Spain, saying she was poor. By the end of her life, Marina had gathered one of the largest fortunes and richest encomiendas in New Spain.

Beyond her own goals, Marina's strong will helped bring order and stability to New Spain. She helped set up social life and daily routines. She also worked to organize trade and improve how Spanish newcomers and native noble allies interacted. Marina became a guide for new settlers. She worked hard to build a strong foundation for the city's daily operations.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Marina Gutiérrez Flores de la Caballería para niños

kids search engine
Marina de la Caballería Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.