History from the Guanches to the Present
Tenerife’s pre-Hispanic era
Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, has a rich history dating back centuries. The first settlements on Tenerife were established long before the arrival of Europeans. The pre-Hispanic era of Tenerife was associated with the Guanches, the indigenous people of the island.
The Guanches were agricultural, pastoralists and settled in caves, which were used as dwellings and burial grounds. Archaeological finds from Tenerife prove that the Guanches had an advanced culture, used stone tools and worshipped gods. Their mythology included belief in the supreme deity Achaman and nature spirits.
Of particular interest is the Pyramid of Güímar (Pirámides de Güímar), which is still a mystery. Some scholars believe it may have been associated with ritual rites or astronomical observations. These pyramids demonstrate the sophisticated building techniques that the Guanches may have mastered, making them an important element of the island’s cultural heritage.
Spanish conquest of Tenerife
The Spanish began their conquest of the Canary Islands in 1402, but the struggle between the Guanches and the Spanish in Tenerife continued until the end of the 15th century. In 1494, Castilian troops met fierce resistance at the Battle of Aguera. Despite successfully repelling the first attack, Tenerife was finally conquered in 1496. After the defeat, many Guanches were enslaved, sold into slavery or assimilated with the colonists, leading to the gradual disappearance of their culture.
Tenerife’s colonial era
After the conquest of the island, active colonisation began . The indigenous population almost disappeared due to disease and harsh working conditions. Spain’s influence on Tenerife was decisive: Spanish colonists moved in, new towns were laid out and land was developed.
San Cristóbal de La Laguna was the first capital of the island. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and became a model of urban planning for future Spanish colonies in Latin America.
The island’s economy during the colonial period was based on the cultivation of sugar cane and grapes. Tenerife wine was exported all over Europe, generating considerable income for the local elite.
Tenerife in the time of pirates
The 17th and 18th centuries were a time of frequent pirate attacks. Tenerife was an important trading postin the Middle Ages, so it attracted the attention of sea robbers. The Spanish built defences, but pirate attacks remained a serious threat.
One of the most famous events was a battle in 1797 when British Admiral Horatio Nelson attempted to capture Santa Cruz de Tenerife but was defeated, losing his arm. This defeat was a milestone in the island’s history, strengthening its defences.
Attempted conquest of Tenerife by the British
In 1797, the British fleet under Admiral Horatio Nelson attempted to conquer Tenerife. This event was one of the most significant military operations in the Canary Islands in the 18th century and ended in an unexpected British defeat.
Reasons for the attack
At the time, Spain and Great Britain were at war. The British sought to gain control of the Atlantic trade routes and deprive Spain of an important strategic point. Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island’s main port, had a favourable geographical position and could serve as a base for the British fleet in the region.
In addition, the British hoped to capture treasure coming from the Spanish colonies in the Americas. Tenerife was an important transshipment point for precious metals, so control of the island could give Britain a significant economic advantage.
The course of the battle
On 22 July 1797, a British fleet of nine ships approached the shores of Tenerife. Nelson planned a quick landing attack on the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, hoping to capture the Castillo de San Cristóbal and take control of the city.
However, the Spanish troops, led by General Antonio Gutierrez, were well prepared for defence. When the British came ashore, local defenders and Spanish soldiers opened a barrage of fire, using artillery and muskets. The streets of the city were narrow, making it difficult for the British troops to move, and the Spanish skilfully used the city’s built-up area for defence.
During one of the attacks, Nelson personally led a landing party, but was wounded in the arm by a cannonball. As a result, he had to have his right arm amputated, one of the most famous episodes of his military career. Having lost control of the operation, the British were forced to retreat,losing hundreds of men killed and wounded.
The aftermath of the battle
On 25 July 1797, Horatio Nelson was forced to sign the surrender and request permission to evacuate the remaining troops. The Spanish, showing magnanimity, allowed the British to leave the island without additional casualties. This defeat was one of the few in Nelson’s career that would later play a key role in Britain’s victory over Napoleon.
The Battle of Tenerife enhanced the reputation of the Spanish defenders and became an important part of the island’s history. After this event, the Spaniards greatly strengthened their defences to help prevent future attacks. The fortress of San Cristobal continued to serve as an important defensive point until the 19th century.
Legacy of the battle
Today, Santa Cruz de Tenerife is home to the Museo Militar de Almeyda (Museum of Defence), which houses artefacts from the battle. There is also a monument to Nelson’s victory, which commemorates the heroic Spanish resistance.
The attempted capture of Tenerife by the British has remained in history as one of the biggest defeats of the Royal Navy and demonstrated the importance of the island in the geopolitics of the time.
Tenerife in Modern Times
From the 19th century, Tenerife began to develop as a tourist centre. What is left of the Guanches in Tenerife? Today you can visit the Tenerife History Museum in La Laguna, see the rock paintings in the Guanche caves and explore the historical sites.
Thanks to its mild climate and fertile soils, the island became a centre of wine production, and its products were exported to Europe and America. The island’s infrastructure improved significantly in the 20th century, and after World War II, tourism became the main source of income.
Modernity and heritage
Today, Tenerife‘s history remains an important part of its cultural heritage. What is the island’s history famous for? It is unique for its combination of pre-Hispanic and Spanish influences. Interesting facts about the past include legends of lost treasures, ancient rituals and mysterious caves.
If you’re interested in history-related things to see in Tenerife, be sure to visit the island’s old towns, such as Garachico, which was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1706 but has retained its historic atmosphere.
How has Tenerife changed over the past centuries? The island has developed into one of the world’s premier holiday resorts while retaining its historical heritage. Famous people in Tenerife’s history, including explorers, navigators and politicians, have made significant contributions to its development and international recognition.
Tenerife is not only about natural beauty, but also about the rich history available to every traveller. Its unique cultural heritage, traces of ancient civilisations and the influence of Spanish colonisation make it one of the most interesting places to explore in the Atlantic Ocean.