Bartholomé de las Casas

Bartholomé de las Casas (1474-1566), surnamed the Apostle of the Indians, was a celebrated Spanish priest, historian, and social reformer, born at Seville. He visited the West Indies early under Columbus and took a deep interest in the natives. Having grieved to see the usage they were subjected to there, as well as elsewhere, under the rule of Spain, he spent his life in persuading his countrymen to adopt a more lenient and humane treatment. He crossed the ocean twelve times on their behalf. In 1554, he was made Bishop of Chiapa, in Mexico. He died in Madrid.

Nearby pages
Bartholomew Columbus, Bartholomew Fair, Bartholomew Hospital, Bartika, Bartizan