The Guanches belong to the lost indigenous population of the Canary Islands. Originating from North Africa, they held a rich culture and unique practices. Their existence, however, was eclipsed following the Spanish conquest.

Origins and Ancestry

The Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago, are located in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of Morocco. Today, their population is a melting pot, quite different from the past when the indigenous Guanches were the sole inhabitants. These people are believed to have migrated from North Africa, and genetic evidence supports the theory that the Guanches were of Berber descent, a fact also suggested by linguistic studies of their language.

Discovery and Early Conflicts

Historical records suggest that the Canary Islands were known to the Romans and possibly the Phoenicians, but the European rediscovery in the modern period is attributed to the Genoese navigator Lanzarotto Malocello between 1310 and 1339. He constructed a fort there, the remnants of which were found by French explorers, including Jean de Béthencourt, in 1402. Subsequent conflicts arose, highlighted by the power struggle involving a Norman noble, Berneval, who attempted a coup during Béthencourt’s absence. He captured a Guanche leader but failed in his broader ambitions, ultimately fleeing to Spain. Béthencourt, informed of his treachery, ensured Berneval faced justice.

Spanish Colonization and Guanche Resistance

Spanish colonization began in earnest in the 15th century, encountering fierce resistance from the Guanches, who opposed any form of cultural assimilation. Their resistance, however, was brutally suppressed, and their society began to collapse. By the end of the 17th century, the Guanche culture and people had largely vanished, due not only to warfare and enslavement but also to intermarriage, disease, and assimilation.

Guanche kings of Tenerife surrendering to Alonso Fernández de Lugo.
Guanche kings of Tenerife surrendered to Alonso Fernández de Lugo. (Source: Wikipedia)

Cultural Heritage and Practices

The Guanches left an indelible mark through their cultural practices. Notably, they mummified their dead, a practice that, along with their cave burials, underscores their unique cultural identity. Further attesting to their level of civilization, there’s evidence, discovered by French researcher René Verneau, that the Guanches of Hierro had developed a form of hieroglyphic writing, likely influenced by their Berber ancestry.

The legacy of the Guanches is a testament to the rich cultural tapestries that vanish throughout history, often eclipsed by the expansion of empires and the relentless march of time.”

Historical Challenge: Can You Conquer the Past?

Answer more than 18 questions correctly, and you will win a copy of History Chronicles Magazine Vol 1! Take our interactive history quiz now and put your knowledge to the test!

History Quiz

1 / 20

Which leader initiated the policy of 'Perestroika'?

2 / 20

Who was the first President of the United States?

3 / 20

Who was the first European to sail into New York Harbor?

4 / 20

World War II started with Germany attacking which country?

5 / 20

Who was the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany)?

6 / 20

What was the name of Alexander the Great's horse?

7 / 20

What was the bloodiest single-day battle of the American Civil War?

8 / 20

In the Inca Empire, what was the official language?

9 / 20

Which city was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79?

10 / 20

What was the given name of the hugely popular first wife of Juan Perón, leader of Argentina?

11 / 20

Where was Abraham Lincoln assassinated?

12 / 20

Who was the president of the United States during World War II?

13 / 20

Who was the commander of the Union Army from March 1864 to the end of the Civil War?

14 / 20

The Reconquista refers to:

15 / 20

Who was the leader of the Gallic tribes that Caesar defeated?

16 / 20

What was the name given to the massive temple complex near Luxor, considered one of the most important religious sites in Ancient Egypt?

17 / 20

When was the First Battle of El Alamein fought?

18 / 20

Which daughter of Chief Powhatan was the first Native American to be honoured on a U.S. postage stamp?

19 / 20

Who was Napoleon's only legitimate child?

20 / 20

When did Germany officially reunify after being separated into East and West Germany?

Your score is

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
History Chronicles
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.