Tanausu facts for kids
Tanausu (also spelled Tanausú or Atanausu) was an important leader of the Guanches, the native people of the Canary Islands. He was the ruler of a region called Aceró on the island of La Palma. The Guanches called their island Benahoare. Tanausu's defeat by the Castilians in 1493 meant that La Palma was fully taken over by European forces. The island of Tenerife was conquered in 1495, making it the last of the Canary Islands to be controlled by Europeans. Tanausu's name is thought to mean "The stubborn one" or "He who has kidneys."
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Who Was Tanausu?
Tanausu was a brave leader who fought to protect his people and their land. He ruled Aceró, a strong place that is now known as La Caldera de Taburiente. This area was very difficult for enemies to attack because of its natural defenses. The name Aceró itself is believed to mean "strong place" in the Guanche language.
The Fight for La Palma
Tanausu was the last king on La Palma to resist the Castilian forces. These forces were led by Alonso Fernández de Lugo. The Castilians tried twice to enter Tanausu's stronghold, La Caldera, but they failed both times. Tanausu and his people were very skilled at defending their territory.
How Tanausu Was Captured
Since direct attacks failed, Fernández de Lugo decided to try a different plan. He arranged a meeting with Tanausu through Juan de Palma, who was Tanausu's relative and had become a Christian. Juan de Palma promised Tanausu gifts and good treatment if he agreed to a truce, which is a temporary stop to fighting.
Tanausu agreed to this truce and came out to a pass called Adamacansis. However, it was a trick. The Castilian forces ambushed him at a place now known as El Riachuelo, near La Cumbrecita. Tanausu was captured during this ambush.
Tanausu's Final Journey
After his capture, Tanausu was taken away to be presented to Ferdinand and Isabella, the rulers of Castile. But Tanausu was very determined and refused to give up. It is said that he would not eat anything during the long sea journey to Spain. He died on the voyage, never seeing land again. His refusal to eat was a final act of defiance against his captors.
Learning More About Tanausu
A scholar named Harald Braem wrote a book about Tanausu. The book is called Tanausu, König der Guanchen, which means "Tanausu, King of the Guanches." It is available in German and Spanish.
See also
In Spanish: Tanausú para niños
