Timeline of Venezuela

Chronology

29 events spanning the history of Venezuela. BCE/CE dating.

1. 1498

   Christopher Columbus landed in Venezuela

   Christopher Columbus landed in Venezuela which is inhabited by Carib, Arawak and Chibcha peoples.

2. 1500

   Nueva Cadiz was established on Isla de Cubagua

   Nueva Cadiz was established on Isla de Cubagua off the coast of Venezuela after Columbus discovered rich pearl oyster beds nearby.

3. 1509 – 1520

   The Spanish colonized the area of Nueva Granada (modern Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Venezuela)

   The Spanish colonized the area of Nueva Granada (modern Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Venezuela).

4. 1521

   Spanish colonization begins

   Spanish colonization begins on the north-east coast.

5. 1541

   Earthquake and tidal wave

   An earthquake and tidal wave finished off the settlement of Nueva Cadiz on Isla de Cubagua off the coast of Venezuela.

6. 1749

   First rebellion against Spanish colonial rule

   First rebellion against Spanish colonial rule.

7. 1800

   Civil war

   Venezuela was torn by civil war.

8. 1811

   Venezuela became the first South American country to declare independence from Spain

   Venezuela became the first South American country to declare independence from Spain.

9. 1812

   Earthquake

   Earthquake destroyed 90% of Caracas killing about 20,000 people.

10. 1819

    Battle of Boyaca

    General Simon Bolivar defeats royalist forces in the Battle of Boyaca and the Republic of Colombia (also known as Gran Colombia) is proclaimed on December 17, consisting of Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador.