Explorer. Spanish conqueror and first founder of Buenos Aires. He was the first "adelantado" (a title given by Spanish kings of the 15 and 16th centuries to explorers who "went forward" to conquer lands for the crown) of the Río de la Plata. He was born in Guadix, Granada, in a noble family high in the favor of Emperor Charles V. In 1534 he set sail with a thirteen ship fleet from Sanlúcar de Barrameda, with the objective of penetrating South America from its eastern coasts in search of the fabulous wealth described by indian legends, but due to several setbacks he reached the Río de la Plata late in 1535 and founded Nuestra Señora del Buen Aire (first foundation of Buenos Aires) on February 2, 1536. Pestilence broke out and the natives, initially friendly, became hostile, attacking the small city, which was captured and burned. Disappointed and broken in health, Mendoza embarked for Spain in 1537 but died during the voyage. Years later, in 1580, Buenos Aires was founded by Juan de Garay for a second time.
Explorer. Spanish conqueror and first founder of Buenos Aires. He was the first "adelantado" (a title given by Spanish kings of the 15 and 16th centuries to explorers who "went forward" to conquer lands for the crown) of the Río de la Plata. He was born in Guadix, Granada, in a noble family high in the favor of Emperor Charles V. In 1534 he set sail with a thirteen ship fleet from Sanlúcar de Barrameda, with the objective of penetrating South America from its eastern coasts in search of the fabulous wealth described by indian legends, but due to several setbacks he reached the Río de la Plata late in 1535 and founded Nuestra Señora del Buen Aire (first foundation of Buenos Aires) on February 2, 1536. Pestilence broke out and the natives, initially friendly, became hostile, attacking the small city, which was captured and burned. Disappointed and broken in health, Mendoza embarked for Spain in 1537 but died during the voyage. Years later, in 1580, Buenos Aires was founded by Juan de Garay for a second time.
Bio by: Nes Pagani
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