Juan Guartem
Encyclopedia
Juan Guartem was a Spanish renegade pirate who raided Spanish settlements in New Spain
during the late 17th century, most notably his raid against Chepo in 1679.
According to Spanish records, Juan Guartem traveled up the Manginga River with buccaneers Eduardo Blomar and Bartolomé Charpes. Once across the Isthmus of Panama
, they arrived at the coastal town of Chepo
and then looted the town before burning it in 1679.
Although forces were sent by Spanish by the Viceroy of Panama, they failed to capture them as the buccaneers escaped into the jungle. Despite this, the three were tried in absentia by the Viceroy and were sentenced them to death; Guartem and his two partners being hanged in effigy at Santa Fé de Bogotá the following year.
Despite this, Guartem and the others continued to raid settlements throughout the northern and southern coast of Panama.
New Spain
New Spain, formally called the Viceroyalty of New Spain , was a viceroyalty of the Spanish colonial empire, comprising primarily territories in what was known then as 'América Septentrional' or North America. Its capital was Mexico City, formerly Tenochtitlan, capital of the Aztec Empire...
during the late 17th century, most notably his raid against Chepo in 1679.
According to Spanish records, Juan Guartem traveled up the Manginga River with buccaneers Eduardo Blomar and Bartolomé Charpes. Once across the Isthmus of Panama
Isthmus of Panama
The Isthmus of Panama, also historically known as the Isthmus of Darien, is the narrow strip of land that lies between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, linking North and South America. It contains the country of Panama and the Panama Canal...
, they arrived at the coastal town of Chepo
Chepo
Chepo is a town located northeast of Panama City in Chepo District, Panamá province, Panama. It is located five kilometers south of the Inter-American Highway. It is a sprawling town that is nearly a suburb of Panama City. It contains a gas station, hospital, ATM, and a variety of stores....
and then looted the town before burning it in 1679.
Although forces were sent by Spanish by the Viceroy of Panama, they failed to capture them as the buccaneers escaped into the jungle. Despite this, the three were tried in absentia by the Viceroy and were sentenced them to death; Guartem and his two partners being hanged in effigy at Santa Fé de Bogotá the following year.
Despite this, Guartem and the others continued to raid settlements throughout the northern and southern coast of Panama.