Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada

ModernGeneralSpain1509 — 1579

Founded Bogota and conquered the Muisca.

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Quick Facts

Born

1509

Died

1579

Country

Spain

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)72

Political (20%)74

Influence (20%)73

Legacy (20%)70

Leadership (15%)83

Strategy (15%)62

Total Score72.1

Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada — Complete Timeline

1537 AD

Conquest of the Muisca ConfederationWar◆ Major

Quesada led an expedition of 800 men from the Caribbean coast into the Colombian interior. He defeated the Muisca Confederation, a loose alliance of Chibcha-speaking chiefdoms, through a combination of military force and diplomacy. The conquest took 2 years.

ConquestMuiscaSpanish Colonization

Impact: regionaldestructive

1538 AD

Founding of BogotáPolitical Action

Quesada founded the city of Santa Fe de Bogot

FoundingColonizationColombia

Impact: regionalconstructive

1550 AD

Appointment as Adelantado of the New Kingdom of GranadaPolitical Action◆ Major

Quesada was appointed Adelantado (governor) of the New Kingdom of Granada by the Spanish Crown. He held this position until his death, overseeing the administration and expansion of the colony. He also served as a judge in the Royal Audiencia.

GovernorshipColonial AdministrationNew Kingdom of Granada

Impact: regionalconstructive

1569 AD

Expedition to the Llanos OrientalesOther◆ Major

Quesada led an expedition into the eastern plains of Colombia (Llanos Orientales) in search of El Dorado. The expedition was a disaster, with most of the 300 men dying from disease, starvation, and attacks by indigenous peoples. Quesada returned to Bogot

ExpeditionEl DoradoFailure

Impact: regionaltragic

1579 AD

Death in MariquitaOther

Quesada died of leprosy in Mariquita, Colombia, on February 16, 1579. He was buried in the Cathedral of Bogot

DeathLeprosyColombia