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Lope de AguirreConquistador of Basque origin
Date of Birth: 01.01.1518
Country:  Dive |
Content:
- Lope de Aguirre: A Treacherous and Brutal Conquistador
- Expedition and Rebellion on the Amazon
- Reign of Terror
- Capture and Execution
- Legacy
Lope de Aguirre: A Treacherous and Brutal Conquistador
Early Life and Arrival in the New WorldLope de Aguirre, a notorious Basque conquistador, was born around 1518 in the Araotz Valley, located in the Basque province of Gipuzkoa, Spain. The son of a nobleman, Aguirre's thirst for adventure brought him to Seville when he was twenty, where he witnessed the return of Francisco Pizarro from Peru with Inca treasures.
In 1544, Aguirre arrived in the New World and actively participated in the civil wars among conquistadors and the suppression of indigenous rebellions.
Expedition and Rebellion on the Amazon
On September 26, 1560, Aguirre joined Pedro de Ursúa's expedition down the Amazon River in search of the legendary kingdom of Omaguas, a variation of El Dorado. Upon reaching the Atlantic coast (either via the Orinoco River or one of Guyana's rivers), Aguirre revolted and murdered Ursúa (January 1, 1561, near Machiparo) and later his successor, Fernando de Guzmán. Aguirre's supporters proclaimed him "Lord of Peru, Tierra Firme, and Chile," and he styled himself "Wrath of God, Prince of Liberty."
Reign of Terror
Aguirre's rule was characterized by extreme brutality, witnessed by his murder of a priest, two monks, four women, and his own daughter, Elwira. He rejected Spanish authority, which sent a punitive expedition against him.
Capture and Execution
In late 1561, Spanish forces led by Gutiérrez de la Peña cornered Aguirre in the Venezuelan jungle. Captured, Aguirre was quartered, and his severed limbs were sent as a warning to various cities.
Legacy
Aguirre's name has become synonymous with treachery and cruelty in Spanish history. He is featured in the video game "The Amazon Trail II," where players can trade with him during the conquest era.
