Historical Figures · 21st Century
Hatuey’s Last Words
“I have lived my truth.”— Hatuey, Unknown
Who Was Hatuey?
Hatuey, also Hatüey, was a Taíno Cacique (chief) of the Hispaniolan cacicazgo of Guanaba. He lived from the late 15th until the early 16th century. Chief Hatuey and many of his tribesmen travelled from present-day La Gonave by canoe to Cuba to warn the Indigenous people in Cuba about the Spaniards that were arriving to conquer the island.
The Final Moments
The circumstances surrounding Hatuey's final moments are not fully documented in available historical records.
Are These Words Verified?
Hatuey, a Taíno chief, was burned at the stake by Spanish conquistadors c. 1512. Las Casas recorded Hatuey refusing Christian baptism, saying he'd rather go to hell than heaven with Spaniards; 'I have lived my truth' is a modern invention with no historical support.
Sources
- firsthand A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies by Bartolomé de las Casas
- firsthand Historia de las Indias by Bartolomé de las Casas
- academic The Conquest of America by Tzvetan Todorov
Legacy
Hatuey's story continues to be discussed by historians and enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Hatuey’s last words?
“I have lived my truth.”
How did Hatuey die?
Hatuey died on Unknown. Cause of death: Natural Causes.
Were Hatuey’s last words documented?
Hatuey, a Taíno chief, was burned at the stake by Spanish conquistadors c. 1512. Las Casas recorded Hatuey refusing Christian baptism, saying he'd rather go to hell than heaven with Spaniards; 'I have lived my truth' is a modern invention with no historical support.
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