Companion for Your Spanish Course: History of Chile Part 1 of 4
Chile is a beautiful country with a fascinating history. When you learn Spanish in Santiago, you will have the opportunity to visit many historical sites and expose yourself to a variety of relics housed at museums. Since Chile was populated in about 12000 BCE by the Amerindian societies, the country has many, many years of history to learn about. No doubt it was the ample waters and lush valleys of this territory that attracted early settlers.
The Monte Vedre archaeological site is one interesting place you can visit. This site is in Southern Chile in northern Patagonia region. While some experts believe the Clovis culture was first in existence in this area, this site shows that there may have been people in the region even 1000 years earlier. Monte Vedre has relics that date back to 14,800 years. Archaeologists found things like stone tools and hearths at this site.
Another site that tourists can visit which as remnants of very early people in Chile is the Cueva del Milodon Natural Monument, which is also in Patagonia amongst the Cerro Benetez Mountains. In 1896, remainders of a giant ground sloth were found in this area. You can also see the life-size replica of this Milodon, which looks something like a large bear, at the entrance of the monument. Many people are familiar with Cueva del Milodon due to the famous rock formation called Silla del Diablo (translated as Devil's Chair).
Early indigenous people are divided into different groups- there were the northern people, the Araucanian culture, and the Patagonian culture. The Northern people had much in common with pre-Incan civilization. The Araucanian were the largest group in Chile and lived predominantly off of agriculture. They were based in various small villages and had a common language. Many of these people used irrigation to support their agricultural work. The Patagonian people were largely nomadic hunters and gatherers.
Although the Incan Empire was strongly represented in Northern Chile, they did not have much of a foothold in the South. They managed to set up forts in the Central Valley, but did not colonialize the area. In the late 1400's, there was a 3-day fight called Battle of the Maule, where Incans tried to fight to gain authority.
When the Spaniards came into the region in the 1500's, there may have been as many as a million Araucanian people. These people were impacted by disease and also beaten down by the pressure from the Spaniards. Impressively, there were still Araucanians fighting off Spaniards until the late 19th century.
Chile is rich with history and can teach you a great deal about the history of mankind. Hopefully, when you learn Spanish in Santiago, you will have the opportunity to travel and visit some of the archaeological sites where evidence of the earliest people has been found. Those travelers with an open mind and thirst for knowledge will benefit greatly from a trip to this country.
About the Author
Ecela Spanish Schools operates Spanish courses in Chile in both Santiago and Valparaiso. In addition to the opportunity to learn Spanish in Santiago, students also learn about Chile's unique culture and history. More details=> http://www.latinimmersion.com
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