LOPE DE AGUIRRE 

Lope de Aguirre was born in 1510 and then died in 1561.  As a man, Aguirre served as a Spanish rebel and adventurer.  Aguirre’s focus was on colonial South America.  Unfortunately, as a rebel, Aguirre was known for being involved in many violent and sedition events prior to joining his expedition with Pedro de Ursua in 1560, which headed to Maranon and the Amazon. 

Lope de Aguirre was known for many things but probably most importantly, as being one of the men who overthrew and killed Ursua.  After that killing, Aguirre killed Ursua’s successor, a man by the name of Fernando de Guzman.  After Guzman’s death, Aguirre took command.  On one expedition, Aguirre and his men reached the Atlantic.  Historians believe this expedition was probably somewhere along the Orinoco River.  

On his way, he wantonly laid waste to native villages.  Then in 1561, Aguirre seized Margarita Island, holding it in sheer terror under his demeaning control.  Afterwards, Aguirre crossed over to the mainland, trying to take Panama.  With this, he openly proclaimed rebellion directly against the Spanish crown.  However, becoming surrounded in Venezuela, Aguirre was desperate, choosing to murder his own daughter.  Even so, Aguirre surrendered.  However, he was still shot dead.