History of Bogotá, Colombia – About the city of Bogotá – Colombia Facts – Bogotá Colombia Travel

The History of Bogotá refers to the history of the area surrounding the Colombian capital Bogotá. The area around Bogotá was first populated by groups of indigenous people that migrated from mesoamerica.

The History of Bogotá, the people who inhabited these places, before the arrival of the Spaniards, were known as or “Muiscas” and had scarce architectonic or cultural development. They were outstanding for their craftsmanship in gold and their advanced commercial status with other tribes, with whom they exchanged the precious metals and emeralds for salt, blankets and other products of primary need.

They adored the stars and a mythical being called Bochica, described as an old man with white skin and a long beard; a curious fact due to the fact that the natives were beardless and it is presumed that the Spaniards were the first white people they ever came across. They had political and social organizations which permitted polygamy, as long as the men could support their wives. They were governed by strict codes and crimes such as incest, homosexuality and infidelity (only for women) were punished with death. The least cruel method of execution was decapitation.

In the age of conquest, the so-called Legend of El Dorado circulated among the people. This legend told of the existence of a city of gold, where there was so much of this metal that its inhabitants played with it in the streets, as if they were pebbles and had their pantries full of food, vegetables and meat. It added that the women in that place were specially beautiful. This sparked the spirit of many adventurers who arrived at the Bogota plateau (named by the natives as Bacata ) and which the Spaniards called Valley of the Castles.

Jiménez de Quesada founded the city on August 6, 1528 at the site called Teusaquillo, located between the foothills of the Monserrate and Guadalupe mountain pass, with the name of Santa Fe, constructing a church and twelve huts in homage to the apostles. Jimenez was a cultured man, a learned, writer, with academic formation, all of which differentiated him from his companions who were greedy for wealth, rough in their determinations and abusive with their power.

KEY CITY IN THE NEW KINGDOM – BOGOTA COLOMBIA TRAVEL

In 1550, the Royal High Court of Justice of Santafe de Bogota was created, conducted by viceroys, initiating the age of the colony. Schools and universities were founded. The church begins to spread Catholicism. Progress is made in medicine, urbanism, literature, as well as social and biological organization. This era became popular thanks to the renowned Botanical Expedition which were led by Jose Celestino Mutis and allowed for a detailed and profound study of our flora.

At this point, the history of Bogota is mixed with that of the country, due to the fact that a great deal of development in that period took place in this city. In 1781, the rebellion of the craftsmen from El Socorro, Santander, broke out, led by Jose Antonio Galan and the age of Independence begins. In this large city, the first printed paper appears, called the Santafe de Bogota Gazette and later Newspaper; Antonio Narino translates Men’s Rights, which had been drawn up in France, and makes them known throughout the land. CamiloTo-rres writes the Bulletin of injuries, asking for conditions and opportunities for the Creoles equal to those of the Spaniards and a year later, on July 20,1810, a board of rebels overthrows the Viceroy, Antonio Amar y Borbón and takes over the city. A congress is created, the Constitution of Cundinamarca is drawn up, a president is elected and a bolt fight is carried out against the Spanish oppressive power, thanks to the brave patriots, among whom the liberator, Simon Bolivar, is outstanding. In 1819 the same warrior, with Francisco de Paula Santander and Jose Antonio Anzotegui defeat the Spanish troops. Thus the age of the Republic begins. In that year the Republic of Gran Colombia is proclaimed. In 1830 the Republic of New Granada is designated. In 1849 slavery and the death penalty are abolished. In 1858 the country is known as the Granadine Confederation. In 1863 it is called the United States of Colombia, and in 1886 a unitary constitution is created and the nation is given its actual name, Republic of Colombia. In 199 a new Constitution is drawn up.