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Pedro Gutierrez de Santa ClaraMexican historian, conquistador
Country:
 Mexico |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Military and Secretarial Career
- Historical Contributions
- Rediscovery of the Manuscripts
- Literary and Historical Significance
Early Life and Education
Mexican Historian and ConquistadorGu Gutiérrez de Santa Clara, born in Mexico City in 1521, was a prominent Mexican historian and conquistador. His father, Bernardino de Santa Clara, was an advisor to Hernán Cortés and a close friend of Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza. Despite his incomplete formal education, Santa Clara possessed a natural talent for writing and a keen eye for historical details.
Military and Secretarial Career
Soldier and Secretary to Lorenzo de AldanaIn 1533-1534, Santa Clara possibly traveled to Peru, witnessing the events of Gonzalo Pizarro's advance from Cusco to Lima. He served as a soldier under Captain Pablo de Meneses, participating in the arrest of the oidores and the uprising against Pizarro. Santa Clara later joined Viceroy La Gasca's army and witnessed the Battle of Jaquijahuana. As a secretary to Lorenzo de Aldana, he likely returned to Panama with La Gasca after the civil war.
Historical Contributions
"Quinquenios" and the Inca HistoryIn Mexico City, Santa Clara revised his notes gathered in Peru and composed the five-volume "Quinquenios" ("Five-Year Period"), which became his life's work. The meticulous volumes, spanning from the early 1540s to 1603, provide valuable insights into the conquest and civil wars of Peru. Santa Clara also wrote a history of the Incas, exploring their religion, customs, and traditions. He had a particular fascination with Inca legends, beliefs, and everyday life.
Rediscovery of the Manuscripts
Discovery and PublicationThe "Quinquenios" and the Inca history remained obscure until historian Manuel Serrano-y-Sans discovered the manuscripts in the Diocesan Ecclesiastical Library of Toledo in the early 20th century. Cardinal Lorenzana published the five volumes from 1904 to 1929, titled "Historia de las Guerras Civiles del Perú 1544-1548 y de otros sucesos de Indias."
Literary and Historical Significance
Chronicler of the Gonzalo Pizarro RebellionSanta Clara's "Quinquenios" are considered among the most valuable chronicles of the Gonzalo Pizarro rebellion. His vivid descriptions of events and lively portrayals of characters bring the historical narrative to life. Santa Clara's elegant and expressive prose, capturing the spirit and language of the conquest, makes him a notable literary figure in the chronicles of the Americas.
