Diego de Landa

Diego de Landa was a Spanish Franciscan friar and bishop in the 16th century, known for his role in the conquest and colonization of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. Initially tasked with converting the Maya people to Christianity, he is infamous for ordering the destruction of many Mayan texts and idols, believing they were pagan and evil. His actions significantly impacted Mayan culture and history, leading to the loss of much ancient knowledge. However, his later writings also included important descriptions of Mayan language and practices, offering valuable insights into pre-Columbian civilization.