Fundación de ciudades

Recent questions

• What is the Spanish conquest of Mesoamerica?

  The Spanish conquest of Mesoamerica refers to the period in the 16th century when Spanish explorers and conquistadors, led by figures like Hernán Cortés, invaded and took control of large parts of present-day Mexico and Central America. This conquest was marked by significant military engagements, the establishment of Spanish rule, and the founding of new cities. The Spanish aimed to expand their empire, convert indigenous populations to Christianity, and exploit the region's resources. The conquest resulted in profound cultural, social, and political changes, including the decline of indigenous civilizations and the establishment of Spanish colonial governance.

• Who were the key figures in the conquest?

  Key figures in the Spanish conquest of Mesoamerica included Hernán Cortés, who is often credited with leading the expedition that resulted in the fall of the Aztec Empire. Other notable figures were Pedro de Alvarado, known for his role in the conquest of Guatemala, and Nuño de Guzmán, who led expeditions in western Mexico. Fray Toribio de Benavente, a Franciscan missionary, also played a significant role in the evangelization of indigenous peoples. These individuals were rewarded with land and titles for their contributions, shaping the early colonial landscape of the region.

• What were the conditions for founding new cities?

  The founding of new cities during the Spanish conquest was governed by specific ordinances established by Philip II. These regulations emphasized the importance of selecting healthy locations for settlements, which required access to fresh water, fertile land, and proximity to indigenous populations for the purpose of evangelization. The ordinances also discouraged the establishment of cities in areas with extreme elevations, ensuring that new settlements were sustainable and conducive to growth. This careful planning was crucial for the success of Spanish colonial endeavors in Mesoamerica.

• How were new cities designed?

  New cities established during the Spanish conquest were designed with a central feature known as the "Plaza Mayor," which served as the focal point of urban life. The layout typically followed a rectangular shape, with dimensions that varied but were ideally around 140 meters wide by 168 meters long. Streets radiated from the Plaza Mayor in a grid pattern, with twelve streets oriented to the prevailing winds to enhance airflow and comfort. This urban design not only facilitated organization and accessibility but also reflected the Spanish emphasis on order and control in their colonial settlements.

• What was the role of hospitals in new cities?

  Hospitals played a significant role in the urban planning of new cities founded during the Spanish conquest. The ordinances dictated that hospitals for non-contagious diseases be located near the main church or temple adjacent to the Plaza Mayor, symbolizing the community's health and welfare. In contrast, hospitals for contagious diseases were to be situated further away to prevent the spread of illness. This strategic placement underscored the importance of public health in colonial society and reflected the Spanish commitment to caring for both the indigenous populations and the settlers in their new territories.