Blasco Núñez Vela

Núñez Vela, Blasco (bläˈskō nōˈnyās vāˈlä) [key], d. 1546, first viceroy of Peru (1544–46). Sent to replace Vaca de Castro and to enforce the New Laws of Bartolomé de Las Casas, he had a violent, short career. He antagonized all in command and either ordered a murder or committed it himself. He was arrested and put on a ship for Spain, but landed at Tumbez, was defeated by Gonzalo Pizarro, and was executed.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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