Vargas Swamp Lancers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Vargas Swamp Lancers |
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| Monumento a los Lanceros | |
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| Artist | Rodrigo Arenas Betancourt Eng. Guillermo Gonzalez Zuleta |
| Year | 1970 |
| Type | sculpture |
| Location | Boyacá, Colombia |
The Vargas Swamp Lancers monument, also known as the Monument to the Lancers (Spanish: Monumento a los Lanceros), is a huge sculpture in Boyacá, Colombia. It was created by the Colombian artist Rodrigo Arenas Betancourt and engineer Guillermo Gonzalez Zuleta. This amazing artwork remembers the Battle of Vargas Swamp, a very important fight in Colombia's history. It's actually the biggest monument in all of Colombia!
The monument shows a brave attack by 14 special soldiers called lancers. These soldiers were led by Colonel Juan José Rondón. The sculpture stands 33 meters (about 108 feet) tall. It was officially opened in 1970, celebrating 150 years since Colombia declared its independence.
The Brave Lancers
In July 1819, a group of soldiers called the Republican army was marching towards Santafé. They were led by Simón Bolívar, a famous leader. The soldiers were very tired after crossing a difficult mountain pass called Pisba. They then faced a Spanish army led by General José María Barreiro.
The land where they fought was better for the Spanish troops. Bolívar's army was in a tough spot. After some fighting between the foot soldiers, the Spanish horsemen tried to attack Bolívar's army from the side.
At this important moment, Colonel Rondón's small group of 14 lancers made a sudden move. They charged at General Barreiro's horsemen. The Spanish soldiers were crowded together on a narrow path through a swampy area. This surprise attack by the lancers was a key moment that helped Bolívar's army win the battle.
Bolívar's main army then moved forward to support the lancers. General Barreiro's army lost about 500 soldiers and had to retreat. They were protected by another group of soldiers as they pulled back.
About the Monument
The monument was designed by artist Rodrigo Arenas Betancourt and engineer Guillermo Gonzalez Zuleta. It is made of bronze and concrete.
The sculpture shows the 14 soldiers and their horses. They look like they are flying through the air! The bronze figures are held up by a large concrete structure. It's a powerful way to remember the bravery of these soldiers and their important role in history.
See also
In Spanish: Lanceros del Pantano de Vargas para niños
