Adelantado
Adelantado was a Governor-like military office held by Spanish Conquistadores of the 16th and 17th centuries. The men who held this post were usually granted the government of their region in exchange for the initial explorations, settlements and pacification of the target area on behalf of the Crown. The term comes from por adelantado (Spanish: in advance, although translations stating one who goes before and/or the forward man are also found). A few 11th century Castilian and Navarrese documents use the word but do not specify the powers or duties of the office. The earliest definitely known Adelentado was appointed in 1253 in the recently reconquered territory of "La Frontera" (Andalusia). The later Siete Partidas more precisely identified the judicial and executive powers of the office. Most appointees were from the upper nobility or the royal family.
Adelantados represented the Kings of Castile, and from the reign of Ferdinand III until well into the 17th century they also held administrative powers over specific provinces and districts. Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, Adelantado de Las Indias under King Philip II was perhaps the ablest and best remembered of these officials. Alonso Fernández de Lugo served as adelantado in the Canary Islands during the late fifteenth century. Another famous bearer of that title was the brother of Cristopher Columbus, Bartolomeo Columbus, who governed Hispaniola with this title during his brothers' absence.
See also
- Audiencia
- Captaincy General
- Prefect
- Viceroy
Source: adapted by the editor from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia; from the article "Adelantado". Image Credit.
