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

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Which of the following was a significant city founded by Alexander the Great?

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Which battle was a significant victory for the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes over the U.S. Army?

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Which battle was a significant victory for the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes over the U.S. Army?

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Which Native American code talkers were instrumental in World War II?

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What is the name of the revolutionary leader who helped liberate several South American countries from Spanish rule?

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Julius Caesar played a significant role in the conquest of Gaul. How long did the Gallic Wars last?

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Which famous philosopher was Alexander the Great's tutor?

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Who was the first to be Governor of Hong Kong?

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Which famous Viking king unified Norway in the late 9th century?

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Who was the first Prime Minister of Australia?

11 / 20

In what year was John F. Kennedy assassinated?

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Emiliano Zapata was the leader of the peasant revolt in the state of Morelos and a key figure in the 1910-1920 revolution of which country?

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What does the term "Ghost Dance" refer to in Native American history?

14 / 20

Who was the French King during the French Revolution?

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Do you know which artist is the author of the painting "The Harvest"?

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Which Native American leader led the fight against the United States during the Seminole Wars?

17 / 20

In which country did the USSR intervene in 1968?

 

18 / 20

In which state was Abraham Lincoln born?

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On which island did Napoleon die?

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Aristotle was a student of which famous Greek orator and philosopher?

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