Pedro de Valdivia - Founder of the Kingdom

Pedro de Valdivia (1500-1553) was one of the most important conquistadors in the history of the Americas, best known for his central role in the conquest and colonization of Chile. An experienced soldier, adventurer and bold leader, Valdivia left an indelible mark on the history of the region, not only for his involvement in colonization, but also for the circumstances of his private life, his personal struggles and the way he managed the relationship with indigenous peoples.

Early years and training

Pedro de Valdivia was born around 1500 in the town of Villanueva de la Serena, in the province of Badajoz, Spain. He came from a family of lower nobility, which allowed him to receive an education appropriate for his time. Although the name of his parents is not known with certainty, some sources indicate that his father may have been a minor nobleman of the region. From a young age, Valdivia showed an inclination towards a military career, which would later define his life.

In his youth, Pedro served in the army of Charles I of Spain, taking part in the Italian wars against the French. It was in these campaigns that he began to forge himself as a man of war and military leader, gaining experience in troop management and war strategy. These years earned him a reputation as a man of action and bravery, something that would be crucial in his later expedition to America.

Arrival in America and participation in the conquest of Peru

In 1528, Pedro de Valdivia decided to set sail for the New World. At a time when opportunities in Spain were limited, America offered an uncertain but promising future for those willing to conquer and colonize. Valdivia headed first to Santo Domingo and then to Cuba, where he joined Francisco Pizarro's army in the conquest of the Inca Empire.

Valdivia took an active part in the conquest of Peru and in the fall of the capital of the Inca Empire, Cuzco, in 1533. Over these years, he earned the respect of his fellow soldiers for his courage and his ability to command in difficult situations. It was in the context of this war that Valdivia forged a close relationship with Diego de Almagro, another Spanish conquistador who aspired to share the spoils of the empire. However, internal conflicts between the followers of Pizarro and those of Almagro culminated in civil war between the two sides, which also affected Valdivia.

Although Valdivia was a faithful follower of Pizarro, when Diego de Almagro rebelled, Valdivia was part of the forces that defeated the Almagros. As a result of these conflicts, Valdivia distanced himself from Peruvian politics, so he decided to start his own expedition to the south of the continent, looking for new lands to conquer.

The conquest of Chile

In 1540, Valdivia received permission from King Charles I of Spain to explore and colonize the southern regions of Peru, which would later be known as Chile. With a group of approximately 150 men, Valdivia set out south. This journey was not easy, as geography, climatic difficulties, and indigenous resistance were constant obstacles.

Despite the adversities, on February 12, 1541, Valdivia founded the city of Santiago, on the banks of the Mapocho River, which quickly became the base of operations for his colonizing project. During the first years, the relationship with the Mapuche people was tense. Despite the constant confrontations, Valdivia and his men managed to advance, founding other cities such as Concepción (1550) and La Imperial (1552), in their attempt to expand the border of the Spanish Empire to the south.

Private life and personal relationships

Although Pedro de Valdivia is remembered primarily for his military and colonial achievements, his private life also has interesting details that shed light on his character and personality.

Marriage with Ines de Suarez

One of the highlights of Valdivia's personal life was his relationship with Inés de Suárez, a woman of humble origins born in Spain, who followed Valdivia to Chile in 1540. Inés arrived in Chile after having been a lady-in-waiting to Diego de Almagro's wife. It is said that Inés, who was also very brave and skilled in swordsmanship, played a pivotal role in the defense of Santiago during the Mapuche attack in 1541, known as the "Siege of Santiago." During this siege, Inés organized the defense of the city and helped the men repel the attackers, earning the respect of all the colonists.

Although Pedro de Valdivia never formally married Inés de Suárez due to the lack of ecclesiastical authorization, the relationship between the two was very close and long-lasting. Inés de Suárez was a key figure in the early history of Chile and became one of the most important women of the conquest.

Family problems and strained relationships

Valdivia also had a complicated family life. It is known that in Spain he left behind a wife, named María, with whom he had no children. Despite his ties to Inés, Valdivia maintained ties with his family in Spain, and part of his correspondence during his stay in Chile was addressed to his relatives, requesting support and resources for his colonizing enterprise.

One of the most complex aspects of Valdivia's life was his relationship with other colonists and with the imperial administration. In the context of tensions between the colonial authorities, Valdivia was faced with a series of internal disputes over the distribution of power and wealth. These disputes included clashes with his own brother, Juan de Valdivia, and other close collaborators. Despite these tensions, Valdivia managed to maintain control over most of the region for many years.

Fall and death

Valdivia's figure began to decline when, in 1553, he faced serious resistance from the Mapuches, under the leadership of Lautaro. After several clashes and the capture of several of his men, Valdivia was finally defeated and captured by the Mapuches. He was executed in an ambush, although there are various versions of his death; according to some accounts, he was decapitated and others maintain that he was killed in a more brutal manner. His death marked a critical point in the history of the conquest of Chile and was considered the end of the expansion of the Spanish Empire to the south for a time.

Legacy

Despite his tragic death, Pedro de Valdivia's legacy lived on through the founding of major Chilean cities such as Santiago, Concepción and La Serena. Valdivia's name is remembered as one of the great Spanish conquistadors, although his figure is also marked by the violence inherent to the conquest and indigenous resistance.

In short, Pedro de Valdivia was a complex figure, whose life was marked both by his achievements in the conquest of Chile and by his internal conflicts and difficult personal life. Although his final fate was tragic, his name remains a fundamental part of the history of Chile and of Spanish expansion in America.