Chile
The territory of present-day Chile as a place: its coast, Spanish colonial rule and the Mapuche, from the Spanish arrival in 1536 to independence in 1818.
Category: Places, States
- 1569Alonso de Ercilla publishes the first part of La Araucana
The first part of Alonso de Ercilla's epic poem La Araucana is printed in Madrid in 1569. It recounts the Spanish war against the Mapuche in Chile, in which Ercilla fought.
- 1578Drake sacks Valparaíso, Chile
In 1578 the Golden Hind plunders the Spanish port of Valparaíso and takes a ship loaded with Chilean wine. Drake had earlier been wounded by Mapuche archers on Mocha Island; the sack feeds local legend.
- May 20, 1643 – October 28, 1643Dutch fleet under Brouwer raids Chiloé and occupies Valdivia
From May to October 1643 a Dutch expedition sacks Carelmapu and Castro, then occupies the ruined city of Valdivia, hoping for gold and a base against Spanish Peru. It leaves in October.
- February 1645Spain resettles Valdivia and begins its fortress system
In February 1645 a Spanish fleet from Callao reaches Valdivia and resettles it after the Dutch occupation, beginning the Valdivian fort system.