Martín de Ursúa facts for kids

Martín de Ursúa y Arizmendi was a Spanish explorer and leader. He was born in Navarre, Spain, in 1653. He is famous for leading an important expedition in Central America. This expedition led to the fall of the last major independent Maya city. This city was called Nojpetén. It was located on an island in Lake Petén Itzá, in what is now Guatemala.

Ursúa served as the governor of Yucatán, a region in Mexico. He held this position until 1708. After that, he became the Governor-General of the Philippines. He was also made a knight of the Order of Santiago. This was a special group of knights in Spain. Martín de Ursúa died in Manila, Philippines, in 1715.

Ursúa arrived in Mexico around 1680. He first worked as a lawyer in Mexico City. During this time, he built strong connections with important officials. In 1692, he was chosen to be the governor of Yucatán. He started this job earlier than planned, in 1694.

Martín de Ursúa's Life and Expeditions

Martín de Ursúa was a key figure in Spanish colonial history. He played a big part in expanding Spanish control. His most famous achievement was the conquest of Nojpetén. This was the last independent Maya stronghold.

The Fall of Nojpetén

In the late 1600s, the Spanish wanted to control all of Central America. Nojpetén was a strong Maya city. It had resisted Spanish rule for a long time. Martín de Ursúa led a military force against it.

The expedition took place between 1696 and 1697. Ursúa's forces successfully captured Nojpetén. This event marked the end of a long period of Maya independence. It brought the entire Petén Basin region under Spanish control.

Governor of Yucatán and the Philippines

After his military success, Ursúa continued his career in government. He served as the governor of the Yucatán region. This was an important role in New Spain. New Spain was the name for Spanish territories in the Americas.

Later, he was appointed Governor-General of the Philippines. This was a very high position. It showed his importance to the Spanish Crown. He managed the Spanish colony in the Philippines until his death.

See also

• Antonio María de Bucareli y Ursúa
• History of the Philippines (1521–1898)
• Spanish conquest of Guatemala
• Spanish conquest of Yucatán

In Spanish: Martín de Urzúa y Arizmendi para niños