Ancient History-giant mounds of earth, stone statues, and tombs-more than 1,500 years old.
El Dorado Western Colombia- Gold objects were among the finest in ancient America. El Dorado-”the Golden One”-New rulers were covered with gold dust and then taken to a lake to wash the gold off. Gold and emerald objects were thrown into the water as the new ruler washed.
Spanish explorers arrived about Conquered the Chibcha and took most of their treasure Spanish set up large haciendas. Enslaved Indians and then brought African slaves to work the land.
Gran Colombia Late 1700’s-gained independence with the help of Simon Bolivar. The republic of Gran Colombia was created. It included Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela. 1830-New Granada- Colombia and Panama.
Bogota –boogy man Capital-Bogota is in the Andes Mountains. Cattle ranches are common in the Llanos.
2 nd in the World Rich soil Colombian coffee Bananas, corn, rice, sugarcane. Cassava Flowers-2 nd in the world.
Emeralds Oil—leading export today. Iron ore, gold, coal, and tin Emeralds-most of the world’s emeralds come from Colombia.
Low incomes Poverty Rapid population
Tejo-ring toss African traditions have influenced the music and dance. Soccer in popular. Chibcha sport called tejo-a ring toss game. Spanish is the language Roman Catholic is the religion.
Illegal Drugs Conflict is a serious problem in Colombia today. Border conflicts with Venezuela. Fight over the Orinoco River Many farmers have been forced off their land, and the economy has been damaged. Illegal drugs and violence.
Pearls Small Indian tribes Spanish conquest- Christopher Columbus Forced Indians to dive for pearls.
Indigo Not much gold- Planted Indigo- deep purple dye (jeans) Many Indians died (small pox and over worked) African slaves
Simon Bolivar- Simon Bolivar- led the revolution for independence. 1830-became free of Spain.
1800’s-dictators and civil wars. Caudillos-military leaders. Oil-some caudillos kept the country’s oil money for themselves. 1958-last dictator forced out.
Oil under Lake Maracaibo
Poverty for the majority 1970’s-wealthy from oil. ( only the military leaders and government got rich) 80% of people still lived in poverty. Shacks, no running water, sewers, or electricity.
Caracas Language-Spanish Religion-Catholic Caracas-capital city Slums circle the cities. Wide difference-one of the wealthiest countries in South America-but all in the hands of a few.
Lake Maracaibo Based on OIL- Lake Maracaibo – rock under the lake are rich in oil. Iron ore-steel Hydroelectricity-
Llaneros Agriculture- farming. Llaneros- cowboys –herd cattle- Indians still practice slash and burn.
Pardos-mixed African, European and Indian. 2/3 population. Native Indians 2%-speak 25 different languages. Spanish is official language. Religion-Catholic Jorope-foot stomping dance- Toros coleados-rodeo-pulling a bull down by grabbing its tail. Baseball and soccer.