1579day.year
Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada
(1509 - 1579)
Spanish explorer
Spanish explorer
Spanish explorer who led the conquest of the Muisca in Colombia and founded the city of Bogotá.
Born in 1509 in Spain, Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada traveled to the New World in search of fortune.
In 1536 he embarked on an arduous expedition up the Magdalena River into the Andean highlands.
He conquered the Muisca people and established the settlement of Santa Fe de Bogotá in 1538.
Appointed governor of the newly formed New Kingdom of Granada, he implemented colonial administration.
His expedition opened the interior of Colombia to Spanish rule and exploitation of rich mineral resources.
Returning to Spain in 1545, he faced legal disputes over his wealth but retained his status.
He died in 1579, leaving a legacy as the founder of one of Latin America's major capitals.
1579
Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada