The Poor Queen

What is inside

In the early 1600s, black slaves were forced to work until the end of their lives. After enduring countless losses, one slave united others in revolt, capturing Cartagena in present-day Colombia. When Spanish warships arrived, the rebels retreated to the mountains and built strongholds. Despite repeated Spanish assaults and the loss of their commander, the slaves consistently triumphed, inspiring uprisings across Latin America. For 150 years, the Palenque slaves resisted until the King of Spain negotiated peace, granting Palenque autonomy under his direct rule and bringing the conflict to an end.