Fray Thomas de San Martín

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Fray Thomas de San Martin O. P., founder of National University of San Marcos, in Lima, Peru.

Fray Thomas de San Martín (March 7, 1482 – August 31, 1555) was the founder of the National University of San Marcos in Lima, Peru, and a notable Spanish scholar.

Early life

San Martín was born in Palencia (in modern-day Castile-Leon). In his youth, he was inspired by the ideals of medieval chivalry. Later he entered in the convent of San Pablo de Córdoba and became professor of arts and theology where he gained the reputation as a prolific scholar. He was sent to Seville to attend the Saint Thomas College.

Achievements in the New World

His work in Peru began as a priest and physician during the Spanish conquest of the Americas in the 1530s. Together with Pizarro and the other conquistadors he brought Catholicism to the New World. Cristóbal Vaca de Castro, who was sent by the Spanish crown to impose order on the newly conquered territories, asked Fray Tomás to establish a provisional government in Peru. It is said that he was selected by Vaca de Castro for the task because of his moral authority and the prestige he enjoyed.

During this period, he was highly critical of the brutality of the conquistadors towards the indigenous peoples of the Americas.

After his work as priest and scholar over 25 years, he was appointed the first rector magnificus of National University of San Marcos.

Final days

He died at his home in the Convent of Rosario in Lima on August 31, 1555 at the age of 72.