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Cristobal Vaca de CastroSpanish colonial official, governor of Peru.
Country:
 Spain |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Appointment as Governor
- Arrival in Peru and Battle of Chupas
- Governance and Reforms
- Arrest and Imprisonment
- Trial and Vindication
- Retirement and Death
Early Life and Education
Cristóbal Vaca de Castro was born into a Spanish family to García Díaz de Castro and Guiomar Cabeza de Vaca. He pursued a legal education at the University of Salamanca.
Appointment as Governor
In 1540, King Charles V dispatched Vaca de Castro to Peru with the mission to reconcile the warring factions of conquistadors led by Gonzalo Pizarro and Diego de Almagro the Younger. Vaca de Castro was known for his intelligence, shrewdness, and bravery. He was given the title of "Special Investigator" and the authority to assume the governorship of Peru in the event of Francisco Pizarro's death.
Arrival in Peru and Battle of Chupas
Vaca de Castro arrived in Peru in 1541 and established the Royal Audience of Panama. While en route to Lima, he learned of Pizarro's assassination and the subsequent seizure of power by Almagro. He gathered a loyal army and defeated Almagro at the Battle of Chupas on September 16, 1542. Almagro was captured and later executed.
Governance and Reforms
As governor, Vaca de Castro implemented the New Laws aimed at abolishing the exploitative encomienda system and protecting the indigenous population. However, these laws were met with resistance from conquistadors who had benefited from the system. To maintain stability, Vaca de Castro suspended their implementation. He focused on improving infrastructure and ordered an expedition to explore the Río de la Plata.
Arrest and Imprisonment
In 1544, the first Viceroy of Peru, Blasco Núñez Vela, arrived and criticized Vaca de Castro for his handling of the Gonzalo Pizarro rebellion. Vela imprisoned Vaca de Castro in Callao and sent him under guard to Spain.
Trial and Vindication
In Spain, Vaca de Castro faced accusations of corruption but was eventually cleared of all charges after three years of imprisonment. He was appointed Commander of the Order of Santiago and served as President of the Council of Castile from 1557 to 1561.
Retirement and Death
In his later years, Vaca de Castro retired to the Monastery of Saint Augustine in Valladolid. He passed away in 1566.
