The vast majority of natives in Jamaica died from the Spanish or from disease. The modern Jamaicans are mostly descended from captured Africans brought to the island by Spain.
Tag: spain
Fun Fact: What Alcalde Means in Spanish
The alcalde was the mayor/judge in much of the Spanish-speaking world. It comes from the Arabic word Al-Quadi meaning “judge.”
Fun Fact: Alcazar Etymology
Spanish castles from the Muslim-rule era on the Iberian Peninsula are often called alcazars. The word came from the Arabic word al-qasr meaning “fortress” or “castle.”
Fun Fact: Spanish Meatballs
Typically at a Hispanic restaurant, if meatballs are served, they are often called albondigas. Which their literal word for meatballs in the Spanish-speaking world. It comes from the Arabic word al-bunduq meaning “hazelnut.”
Fun Fact: The Part of Chile That Spain Couldn’t Conquer
While Spain did conquer Chile, they did not defeat all of it. As the Mapuche people of southern Chile successfully resisted their rule.