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 * Pedro de Valdivia**

Pedro de Valdivia was a Spanish conquistador and the first royal governor of Chile. In 1534, he served under Francisco Pizarro in Peru after serving with the Spanish army. He was educated, energetic, and somewhat less cruel than his fellow conquerors. In January 1540, he began his march south through the Atacama Desert (Columbia encyclopedia). He followed the route used by his unfortunate predecessor, Diego de Almargo. The colony was not prosperous, gold was scarce and Araucanians were warlike. Valdivia returned to Peru in 1547 in order to secure additional aid and confirm his claims to the conquered territory (Columbia encyclopedia). This is where he supported the viceroy, Pedro de la asca angainst the rebellion of Go nzalo Pizarro. He then received the title of govenor of Chile and he returned to his domain in 1549.



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