Pedro de Mendoza

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Pedro de Mendoza (c.1487–June 23, 1537), was a Spanish conquistador, and the first adelantado of the Río de la Plata.

Mendoza was from a noble family, high in the favor of Emperor Charles V. In 1529 he offered to explore South America at his own expense and establish colonies. He was made military governor of all the territory between the Rio de la Plata and the Strait of Magellan, and the Emperor gave 2000 ducats and advanced 2000 more on the condition that within two years Mendoza should transport 1000 colonists, build roads into the interior, and build three forts. He was to have half the treasure of the chiefs killed and nine-tenths of the ransom. The office of Governor was also made hereditary. In 1534 he set sail with a considerable fleet, but a terrible tempest scattered it off the coast of Brazil. Here his lieutenant, Osario, was assassinated, according to some authorities by the orders of Mendoza himself because of suspected disloyalty. Mendoza sailed up the river Río de la Plata in 1535 and founded Buenos Aires on February 2, 1536. Pestilence broke out, and the natives became unfriendly. His brother Diego, who led a force against the hostile tribes, was killed with three-fourths of his men. A general conspiracy of the natives was formed and the city was captured and burned. Another brother, Gonzalo, arrived with reinforcements and founded the city of Asunción in Paraguay in 1536. Mendoza, disappointed and broken in health, embarked for Spain in 1537 leaving Juan de Ayolas in charge, but died a maniac during the voyage.

This article incorporates text from an edition of the New International Encyclopedia that is in the public domain.