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Pedro de AlvaradoA prominent Spanish conquistador responsible for the conquest of Central America and the first governor of Guatemala.
Country:
 Spain |
Content:
- Early Life and Family Background
- Conquest of Mexico
- Conquest of Central America
- Later Expeditions and Death
- Personal Life
Early Life and Family Background
Pedro de Alvarado was born into a noble military family in Badajoz, Spain. His father, Gómez de Alvarado y Mexía, had two wives: Teresa Suárez de Moscoso y Figueroa and Leonor de Contreras. Pedro had eight siblings from his father's second marriage.
Conquest of Mexico
In 1510, Alvarado joined his uncle on an expedition to Hispaniola. Later, he participated in Juan de Grijalva's expedition to Yucatán, where he first learned of Mexico's wealth.
In 1519, Alvarado became one of Hernán Cortés's trusted lieutenants during the conquest of Mexico. He was one of the 16 mounted knights in Cortés's initial force and was left in charge of the captured Tenochtitlan during the "Night of Sorrows."
Conquest of Central America
In 1524, Cortés sent Alvarado to conquer the Guatemalan Highlands. Taking advantage of divisions among the Mayan tribes, Alvarado brutally subdued the indigenous population. He later received the title of Governor and Adelantado of Guatemala.
Later Expeditions and Death
From 1527-1531, Alvarado led expeditions to conquer Belize, Honduras, and Salvador. He was knighted in the Order of Santiago de Compostela.
In 1534, Alvarado secretly attempted to conquer Ecuador but was forced to abandon his plans after meeting resistance from Pizarro's forces.
Alvarado died in 1541 while suppressing an indigenous revolt in Zacatecas. His wife briefly ruled Guatemala after his death but died in a mudslide caused by the eruption of the Agua volcano.
Personal Life
Alvarado's first marriage was to Francisca de la Cueva in 1527, but she died shortly afterward. He later married her sister, Beatriz de la Cueva, in 1537. Both marriages were childless.
Alvarado had a long-term relationship with an indigenous woman named Xicoténcatl, who was known as Doña Luisa de Tlaxcala after her baptism. She was his de facto wife in Mexico and accompanied him on his campaigns. They had three children together.
Alvarado also had two children from relationships with Spanish lovers.
