Valdivia Founds Santiago de Chile

Pedro de Valdivia founds the city of Santiago del Nuevo Extremo (present-day Santiago) in the Mapocho Valley, beginning the Spanish conquest of Chile. He faces immediate resistance from the Mapuche (Araucanians) who attack and burn the city within months. Valdivia leads repeated campaigns south of the Biobío River, penetrating Mapuche territory. He is eventually captured by the Mapuche leader Lautaro during the Battle of Tucapel (December 25, 1553) and executed — according to tradition by having molten gold poured down his throat.