The guanches

The Guanches were the ancient pre-Hispanic inhabitants of Tenerife. Their history, culture, language and customs will help you to find out who they really were.

  • Archaeological Treasures

    Archaeological Treasures  

    There are many archaeological artefacts from the Gaunches that have been preserved. These remains of their culture provide a valuable record of history that... [+]

  • Bencomo

    Bencomo  

    Bencomo was the King of Taoro during the Spanish conquest. His kingdom was made up of lands in the area now known as the Orotava Valley. He led the aborigine... [+]

  • Bentor

    Bentor  

    The story of the Guanche King Bentor demonstrates the fierce resistance to the European invasion. Bentor or Bentorey, son of Bencomo (another important king in... [+]

  • History

    History  

    When the Kingdom of Castilla began the conquest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife and the rest of the islands of the archipelago were inhabited by the Guanches.... [+]

  • Princess Dácil

    Princess Dácil  

    Princess Dácil was the daughter of Bencomo, King of Taoro - a bitter enemy of the Spanish. However, the princess fell in love and married one of the invaders,... [+]

  • The Guanche Language

    The Guanche Language  

    The language that these ancient inhabitants spoke disappeared soon after the conquest of the island, as did the rest of their culture. Today, it is not possible... [+]

  • The Guanches' Mummies

    The Guanches' Mummies  

    The custom was to preserve the body of the deceased by embalming it in a very similar way to other ancient civilisations. The aim, connected to their religious... [+]

  • The Menceyes (Kings) of Candelaria

    The Menceyes (Kings) of Candelaria  

    When the Europeans arrived on the island Tenerife was divided into nine kingdoms or "menceyatos," each one governed by a "Mencey" (king). In the district of... [+]

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