Sign In

- Or use -
Forgot Password Create Account
This item has been sold, but you can enter your email address to be notified if another example becomes available.
Description

Rare birdseye view of Trujillo, Honduras, published in De Laet's Historie ofte Iaerlijck verhael van de verrichtinghen der Geoctroyeerde West-Indische compagnie . . . 

Trujillo, located on the north coast of Honduras, was a significant city during the 17th century. First visited by Columbus on his fourth voyage in 1504, Trujillo was founded by Spanish conquistador Diego de Olid in 1524 and served as a strategic port for trade and commerce. 

Trujillo, located on the north coast of Honduras, was a significant city during the 17th century. It was founded by Spanish conquistador Diego de Olid in 1525 and served as a strategic port for trade and commerce. Originally a neighboring settlement known as Triunfo de la Cruz, during the 17th century, Trujillo was an important center for the cultivation and export of cocoa, which was in high demand in Europe.   

The 17th century also saw the emergence of pirates and privateers in the waters around Trujillo. These raiders targeted the city's wealthy merchants and the ships that passed through its port, causing fear and instability among the inhabitants. In response to this threat, the Spanish authorities built fortifications around the city, such as the Fortaleza de Santa Bárbara, to protect it from attack.  The town was destroyed several times between 1633 and 1797, and during the eighteenth century, the Spanish all but abandoned Trujillo because it was deemed indefensible.