Pedro Gómez de Don Benito facts for kids

Pedro Gómez de Don Benito (born 1492, died 1567) was a Spanish nobleman and a conquistador. Conquistadors were Spanish explorers and soldiers who helped conquer lands in the Americas. Pedro Gómez explored and helped conquer parts of Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, and Chile. He also held important government jobs in Santiago, serving as a Regidor (a council member) and Alcalde (a mayor).

His Life as a Conquistador

Pedro Gómez de Don Benito arrived in Chile with the expedition led by Diego de Almagro. Almagro was another famous Spanish conquistador.

Pedro Gómez held many important military and government roles during his time in the Americas. He was a Maestre de Campo, which means he was a high-ranking military commander. He also served as a General. In 1560, he became an Alférez real, a royal standard-bearer who carried the king's flag.

He was also an Encomendero. This meant he was granted control over a group of native people and their land. He was responsible for protecting them and teaching them about Christianity. In return, they worked for him.

Pedro Gómez was important in founding new cities. He helped establish La Serena and Santiago in Chile.

His Family Life

Pedro Gómez was born in Badajoz, Spain. His parents were Juan Gómez and Marina Sánchez.

He married Isabel Pardo Parraguéz. Isabel's father, Bartolomé Pardo Parraguez, was also a conquistador from Galicia. Isabel's mother was María de Torres Zapata.

Pedro and Isabel had many children together. Their children included Juan Gómez, Pedro Gómez, Francisca Gómez Pajuelo, Elena Gómez Pardo, María Gómez Pardo, Leonor Gómez Pardo, and Benita Gómez Pardo.

Pedro Gómez also had a son named Juan Gómez de Benito with a native woman. This son became a captain.

See also

In Spanish: Pedro Gómez de Don Benito para niños