Melchor Bravo de Saravia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Melchor Bravo de Saravia
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Martín Ruiz de Gamboa, Melchor Bravo de Saravia and Alonso de Sotomayor
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| Interim Viceroy of Peru | |
| In office 21 July 1552 – June 29, 1556 |
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| Monarch | Charles V |
| Preceded by | Antonio de Mendoza |
| Succeeded by | Andrés Hurtado de Mendoza |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1512 Soria, Crown of Castile |
| Died | December 8, 1577 (aged 64–65) Soria, Crown of Castile |
Melchor Bravo de Saravia y Sotomayor (1512 – 1577) was an important Spanish leader. He was a conquistador (a Spanish explorer and conqueror) who helped shape the early history of South America. He served as a temporary ruler (called an interim Viceroy) of Peru and later as the Governor of Chile.
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Early Life and Important Roles
Melchor Bravo de Saravia was born in Soria, Spain, in 1512. He studied law and became a judge in Naples, Italy. In 1549, he moved to America. He helped set up a special court called the Audiencia in New Granada (which is now Colombia).
Later, he moved to Lima, Peru. There, he became the president of the Audiencia. From July 1552 to July 1556, he served as the temporary Viceroy of Peru. This meant he was the highest royal official in Peru, representing the King of Spain.
During his time as viceroy, a big rebellion happened. It was led by Francisco Hernández Girón. Melchor Bravo de Saravia worked hard to help defeat this rebellion. His efforts were very important in bringing peace back to the region.
Becoming Governor of Chile
In 1556, a new viceroy took over in Peru. But King Philip II had another important job for Melchor Bravo de Saravia. In 1565, the King created a new Audiencia in Concepción, Chile. This court was meant to help end the long-running Arauco War against the Mapuche people.
In September 1567, King Philip II chose Melchor Bravo de Saravia to be the new Governor of Chile. He arrived in Chile in 1568 and served as governor until 1575.
Challenges as Governor
Being governor of Chile was very difficult, especially because of the ongoing war with the Mapuche. In January 1569, the Spanish army suffered a defeat at the Battle of Catirai. After this, Governor Bravo de Saravia had to send supplies to forts and even ordered some Spanish towns to be emptied for safety. He asked Spain for more soldiers and also asked to be replaced as governor.
Earthquake and Renewed Fighting
On February 8, 1570, a very strong earthquake hit Concepción. It also caused a giant wave called a tsunami. Luckily, people had time to run to higher ground, so no one died. But every house in the city was destroyed.
In 1570, more soldiers arrived from Spain. Governor Bravo de Saravia started fighting the Mapuche again. But the Spanish faced more defeats. After another loss near the fort of Purén, Bravo de Saravia decided to let someone else lead the army. He chose Lorenzo Bernal del Mercado to take charge of the military.
Changes for Indigenous People
Around this time, in 1571, a new church leader arrived in Chile. He was a Franciscan friar named Antonio de San Miguel. He did not agree with the system where Indigenous people were forced to work for the Spanish (called the encomienda system). He also thought the Arauco War was causing many problems.
His ideas were so strong that in 1572, King Philip II made a change. Instead of forced labor, Indigenous people could pay a tax with money. This was a big change for the time.
End of His Time as Governor
Melchor Bravo de Saravia faced a lot of criticism during his time as governor. People said he wasn't good at leading the army or managing the government. Some even accused him of being unfair.
He wrote to the King to defend himself. He also asked again to be allowed to leave his post. In 1573, King Philip II accepted his resignation. Melchor Bravo de Saravia returned to Spain two years later. He died in his hometown of Soria in 1577. He was buried in the main church there.
