Pedro de Heredia

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Pedro de Heredia, Spanish conqueror, founder of the city Cartagena de Indias, in Colombia.

Noble from birth, for being involved in many brawls he was forced to leave Spain. He established himself in La Española. Later on, he accepted the job of lieutenant offered by the governor of Santa Marta, Pedro Vadillo. He became very rich by entering the Valledupar where he acquired lots of gold, and returned to Spain. Years later, he got hold of the position of governor of New Andalucia (currently the departments of Antioquia, Tolima and Chocó) and the authorization to conquer territories. He journeyed accompanied by 150 men and reached the bay of Cartagena, where he fought against the natives until they were defeated. He established there and founded the city in June 1, 1533. He continued with his conquests and reached the land of the Zenu Indians. He was accused four times before the courts.

He died in a shipwreck in 1554.