Background
Pedro de Alvarado was born in Badajoz, Spain, about 1485.
Pedro de Alvarado was born in Badajoz, Spain, about 1485.
He sailed from Spain to Santo Domingo in 1510. Going thence to Cuba, he joined the expedition of Juan de Grijalva to Yucatán in 1518. In November he accompanied the troops of HernánHernan Cortés as second in command of the expedition. Alvarado was left in charge of the Spanish force in Mexico City, where his cruel punishment of alleged conspirators led to a great native revolt. Alvarado led the expedition which conquered the natives of Guatemala, and was appointed captain general of that territory by Charles I in 1524. His cruelty and avarice brought charges against him. He defended himself successfully in Spain in 1527, with the assistance of Francisco de Cobos, confidant of the king. While preparing a naval expedition to the mythical Spice Islands, Alvarado learned of Francisco Pizarro's conquest of Peru, and attempted the conquest of Quito, but was persuaded to withdraw by Pizarro's lieutenant, Diego de Almagro. He was befriended once more by Cobos, and named governor of Honduras and Guatemala. Alvarado died fighting in the war in Mexico, July 4, 1541.
