Santa María la Antigua del Darién facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Santa María la Antigua del Darién |
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| 1510–1524 | |
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| History | |
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• Established
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1510 |
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• Disestablished
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1524 |
Santa María la Antigua del Darién was an important early Spanish town in the Americas. It was founded in 1510 by a Spanish explorer named Vasco Núñez de Balboa. This town was located in what is now Colombia, about 40 miles (64 km) south of a place called Acandí. It was the first city that Spanish explorers, known as conquistadors, built on the mainland of America.
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History of Santa María la Antigua
This town was very important for the Spanish in the early 1500s. It served as a base for their explorations and activities in the region.
Why the Town Was Founded
Vasco Núñez de Balboa chose this spot because it was near a river and had good land. It was a strategic location for the Spanish to start their settlements. The town was named "Santa María la Antigua" after a famous church in Seville, Spain. "Darién" came from the local native name for the area.
Life in the Early Settlement
Life in Santa María la Antigua del Darién was challenging. The Spanish settlers had to build homes and defenses. They also interacted with the local indigenous people. Sometimes these interactions were peaceful, and other times they led to conflict.
Abandonment of the City
The town did not last very long. In 1519, another Spanish leader, Pascual de Andagoya, founded a new city called Panama City. This new city was in a better location for trade and travel. Because of this, Santa María la Antigua del Darién was slowly abandoned. By 1524, the town was empty. After it was abandoned, local indigenous groups attacked and burned the remaining structures.
Rediscovery and Park
For many years, the exact location of Santa María la Antigua del Darién was lost. People knew it existed, but they didn't know exactly where.
Finding the Lost City
In 2012, archaeologists finally rediscovered the site of the old town. This was an exciting find because it helped historians learn more about this important part of early American history. Finding the ruins helped confirm where the first mainland city was built.
The Archaeological Park
After the rediscovery, the government of Colombia decided to protect the site. In 2019, they opened the Parque Arqueológico e Histórico de Santa María de Belén la Antigua del Darién. This park allows visitors to learn about the history of the town. It helps people understand the early days of Spanish settlement in the Americas.
See also
