An unpublished work on Bartolomé Ruiz

Abstract

Romero presents a historical study based on an unpublished document: a provision by Viceroy Francisco de Toledo in favor of Nicolás Ruiz de Estrada, grandson of the pilot Bartolomé Ruiz. This finding clarifies the final days of Ruiz, a crucial figure in the discovery of Peru, whose final biography had remained unknown. The author refutes the death dates proposed by historians such as Jerez and Prescott, arguing through the analysis of troop movements and the text of the provision that Ruiz died in Cajamarca in mid-February 1533. His role as one of the "Thirteen of the Fame" and his economic contribution to the conquering enterprise is highlighted. The transcribed document details Ruiz's services and justifies the favors granted to his descendants in Cuzco and Arequipa.