Sebastián de Belalcázar

Timeline

1. c. 1479–1530Belalcázar · EuropeBelalcázar was born in the town of Belalcázar in Andalusia, Spain, originally named Moyano and later taking his name from his hometown. Around 1507 he sailed to Hispaniola, thereafter taking part in colonial activities in Panama and Nicaragua, accumulating extensive experience in military campaigns and gradually rising to become a local military commander.
2. 1531–1533Cajamarca · South AmericaIn 1531 Belalcázar joined Francisco Pizarro's expedition to Peru, taking part in the Battle of Cajamarca and the key action of capturing the Inca emperor Atahualpa. Serving as a cavalry commander, he played an important role in helping rout the Inca army and expand Spanish control.
3. 1533–1534Quito · South AmericaBelalcázar led his forces north into present-day Ecuador, engaging in fierce fighting with the Inca commander Rumiñahui. Rumiñahui burned the city of Quito before retreating to keep its wealth from falling into the conquistadors' hands. On August 28, 1534, Belalcázar rebuilt Quito on its ruins, and the city became the capital of present-day Ecuador.
4. 1535–1538Cali · South AmericaAfter leaving Ecuador, Belalcázar led his forces further north into present-day Colombia, founding Santiago de Cali (today's Cali) in 1536 and subsequently towns such as Popayán. In 1538 he had a dramatic encounter near present-day Bogotá with Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada from the north and Nikolaus Federmann from Venezuela, the three parties jointly dividing control of New Granada.
5. 1539–1551Popayán · South AmericaIn the latter half of his life Belalcázar served as governor of Popayán, administering the colonial territory of southwestern Colombia. In 1546 he executed the conquistador Jorge Robledo for treason, and was consequently charged by the Spanish authorities. In 1551 he set out on a journey to Spain to stand trial but died of illness en route, never living to see the verdict.