Antonio de Herrera y Tordesillas

Antonio de Herrera y Tordesillas (1549–1626) was a prominent Spanish historian and chronicler best known for his comprehensive works on the history of Spain’s overseas empire. Born in Cuéllar, Spain, Herrera studied humanities and entered royal service, eventually becoming the official historian to King Philip II and later to King Philip III. In this capacity, he had access to a wealth of official documents and records, allowing him to compile detailed histories of Spain’s global conquests. His most famous work, Historia general de los hechos de los Castellanos en las Islas y Tierra Firme del Mar Océano, is a monumental account of Spanish exploration and colonization in the Americas, stretching from the time of Columbus to the late 16th century.

Herrera was also responsible for producing important maps, such as his 1601 map of Southeast Asia, Descripcion De Las Indias Del Poniente, which revitalized Spain’s territorial claims in Asia. His works are considered critical sources for understanding the Spanish Empire, as they cover the Americas, the Philippines, and other parts of Asia. While criticized for favoring Spain, Herrera’s histories remain invaluable for their detail and scope. His works were widely read and translated during his lifetime, cementing his legacy as one of Spain’s foremost chroniclers of empire.