Law of the Indies

The Laws of the Indies were a set of regulations issued by Spain in the 16th century to organize and control its colonies in the Americas. They outlined how towns and cities should be built, including their layouts, public spaces, and infrastructure, to promote order, religion, and governance. The laws aimed to ensure that settlements reflected Spanish cultural and administrative standards while facilitating economic activities and social organization. Essentially, they served as a blueprint for founding and managing colonial cities, influencing their development and structure to maintain Spanish authority and promote a cohesive colonial society.