Introduction
Colombia has a fascinating history that spans over thousands of years. It’s one of the most intriguing countries in the world, with a unique mix of culture and history.
The history of Colombia is fascinating and spans over thousands of years. It’s one of the most intriguing countries in the world, with a unique mix of culture and history.
The history of Colombia spans over thousands of years, but you may be surprised by how much you don’t know about this fascinating country. Here are some facts about Colombia’s past:
- In 1536, Spanish conquistador Pedro de Heredia founded Cartagena de Indias (present-day Cartagena). It was one of the first European settlements on what would later become Colombian soil. Today it remains one of Colombia’s most important ports and has been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site status due to its rich colonial architecture and cultural significance.*
The first inhabitants were hunter-gatherers who roamed the territory from around 10,000 BC. They cultivated corn and beans, but had no knowledge of metalworking.
The Muisca people are considered to have been the most advanced civilization of native South America at the time. The Muisca developed an extensive trading network; they traded with other indigenous groups as well as with Caribbean tribes such as Caribs, who would bring them gold in exchange for emeralds mined by the Muisca themselves.
Around 100 AD, there was a major influx of people into Colombia that brought about changes to its culture as well as its population.
In the late 16th century, Colombia became a hub for slave traders. The Spanish brought Africans to the Americas as slaves to work on plantations in Las Indias – or Spanish America. They were also forced into prostitution and other types of labor.
The Toltecs, Zapotecas and Aztecs were three major cultures that migrated into Colombia around 100 AD. These groups brought with them their own customs and traditions that continue to influence Colombian culture today.
From this point onwards, Colombia has gone through several civilizations and conquests by various empires including the Toltecs, Zapotecas, Aztecs and Incas.
In the early part of its history, Colombia was inhabited by several indigenous tribes including the Muiscas, who were known for their salt mines in Zipaquira. In 1538, Spanish conquistadors arrived on Colombian soil and began colonizing the region. It wasn’t until 1819 however that Colombia gained independence from Spain with help from Simon Bolivar’s army. For many years after this point onwards, Colombia has gone through several civilizations and conquests by various empires including the Toltecs (a people who lived in the Valley of Mexico), Zapotecas (a people who lived in Oaxaca), Aztecs (a people who lived in what is now known as Mexico City)
After Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas in 1492, Colombia became home to European settlers who began transporting African slaves to work on plantations across the country.
Colombia was the first country that Christopher Columbus visited in the Americas, and it remained under Spanish rule for centuries. After his arrival in 1492, many more Europeans began to settle there, bringing African slaves with them to work on plantations across Colombia. The country became part of Spain’s extensive colonial empire throughout much of South America and Mexico (and beyond).
In 1536, Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada led an expedition into what was then known as New Granada–a region consisting of modern-day Venezuela and Colombia–and founded Bogota as its capital city. This marked a turning point: The year before Quesada arrived at Bogota with his forces from Santa Marta (another important port town), he founded Santa Fe de Bogota along with three other cities within today’s boundaries: Tunja (today called Tunja) which served as its primary mining center; Riohacha near Barranquilla Bay; Pasto near Ecuadorian border area near Quito…
Las Indias – or Spanish America – became a hub for slave traders where they would gather before heading off to sell their human cargo across Latin America and other areas around the world such as Africa and Asia as well as Europe itself.
It was in these ports that you could see people from all over Colombia waiting for ships to take them away, or returning home after being sold into slavery abroad.
Although there are many things to do in this beautiful country, it’s important for tourists to learn about its rich history and customs before visiting so that they can truly appreciate all its beauty has to offer
The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive in Colombia is how friendly people are. They are very hospitable and will do whatever they can to help tourists feel comfortable while they’re there. The second thing would have to be the food! You won’t find anything like this anywhere else in South America; each dish has its own unique flavor profile that makes it stand out from any other cuisine on earth (or at least those I’ve tried).
Even though there are many things for tourists to do in this beautiful country, learning about its rich history and customs should be one of your top priorities when planning your trip!
Conclusion
Colombia is a country full of rich culture and history, but it’s important for tourists to learn about its past before visiting so that they can truly appreciate all its beauty has to offer.
