Table of Contents

Introduction - the Encomienda in early colonial Spanish America; the entry of the Spaniards into Guatemala, 1524-1526; origins of the Encomienda in Guatemala - the first Repartimiento, 1524-1526; the government of Jorge de Alvarado, 1527-1529; the government of Franciso de Orduna, 1529-1530; abuse of power - the return of governor Alvarado, 1530-1539; interregnum - the interim governors, 1539-1542; the transition to royal government, 1542-1544; a case history - the early operations of the Encomienda of Huehuetenango; conclusions.