Conquest and tourism - a history of Tenerife
Tenerife is the largest of the Spanish Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean situated off the coast of Africa. The earliest settlement of this island was around 200BC by a people known as Guanche. Rather Scandinavian in stature, tall and built solid, they had blue eyes and light coloured hair. Perhaps they were of Scandinavian origin - seamen and longboat captains looking for a warm spot to spend their holidays, much like many Europeans today.
Before Spain captured the Canary Islands in 1494, Tenerife was ruled by a local king - the monarch of the Guanches who held the title Mencey. One of the last Mencey to rule over all the islands had nine children. Legend has it that when he died, his children couldn’t agree on how to divide the island, so nine Menceyatos were created - one for each of the descendents. These Menceyatos still exist today in the form of municipalities.
In May of 1494 Alonso Fernández de Lugo commanded the Spanish in the First Battle of Acentejo suffered a decisive defeat by the Guanches. However, by December 1494 the Guanches were forced to surrender, defeated as much by disease as by the superior technology of the Spanish fleet. Afterwards, much of the native population was turned into slaves. Because of its ideal location, Flanders, Portugal, Italy and Germany all sought occupation of Tenerife. The famous Admiral Horatio Nelson lost his arm from cannon fire during a conflict off the island’s coast. In part, it was commerce that changed the island from a vassal nation into a popular destination for holidays.
As the conquest of Latin America took place, Tenerife became a common stopping place for ships of all nations heading to and from the New World. The island wasn’t, however, just a stop for holidays; rather it was the last stop to pick up supplies and often much needed crew. The tide of migration to the Americas continued into the 20th century due to economic problems on the island. However, today there is an influx of people, many descendents returning home after as many as five centuries abroad. Tenerife is now home to nearly a million people. Tourism makes up the largest portion of the economy with over 3.5 million visitors spending their holidays on the island in 2005. From the beginning the island has drawn travelers and today it continues to attract visitors from across the globe.
Posted 24th May 2010
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