Adelantado was an office awarded by the Spanish Crown to conduct military campaigns in the medieval period but then repurposed during the Age of Exploration to grant an individual the right to privately fund expeditions of discovery and conquest in overseas territories. The adelantado could keep the lion-share of any resources they came across, provided they paid a smaller part to the Crown.
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Definition
Timeline
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1100 - 1500The title of adelantado is used to encourage military leaders to mount expeditions for the Spanish Crown against its enemies.
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1492 - 1600The title of adelantado is used by the Spanish Crown to promote the foundation of colonies overseas.
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1537Hernando de Soto is made a Knight of Santiago, the governor of Cuba, and awarded the status of adelantado for North American exploration.
