Pedro de Valdivia was a Spanish conquistador born in 1497 in Spain. He is best known for founding the city of Santiago in Chile in 1541. Valdivia played a significant role in the Spanish colonization of South America, leading expeditions to explore and conquer the region. Valdivia faced numerous challenges, including conflicts with the indigenous Mapuche people. Despite these difficulties, he established several settlements and expanded Spanish influence in Chile. His efforts contributed to the establishment of Spanish rule in the area, although he was eventually captured and killed by the Mapuche in 1554.