Jaragua massacre

Recent studies however suggest that there may have been well over 30 Chiefdoms and that the 5 which were recorded by Las Casas were the ones who made contact with the Spanish upon their arrival.

After Boechío's alleged death of old age, his sister, Anacaona, emerged as successor and intermediate between the natives of Jaragua and the Spanish.

According to Las Casas in 1503 Ovando advised Anacaona that he would visit the town of Xaragua with his men to celebrate their good relations.

Ovando allegedly enticed the Caciques that were present into a batey (large hut) to witness a tournament by Spaniards.

According to las Casas, some of those who escaped the massacre fled to the island of Guanabo, eight leagues away, but they were later rounded up and enslaved by the Spanish.