The Captaincy General of Guatemala was a significant administrative division of the Spanish Empire in Central America, established in the early 18th century. It encompassed present-day countries such as Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and parts of Mexico. The capital was located in Antigua Guatemala, which served as the political and cultural center of the region. This territory was governed by a captain general, who held military and civil authority. The Captaincy General played a crucial role in the Spanish colonial system, facilitating trade and defense against external threats. It remained an important entity until the early 19th century, when the region began to seek independence.