Greco-Roman gods in the chronicles of the Indies.

Classical mythology in the understanding of the New World

Abstract

The classical tradition has contributed to consolidate new historiographic perspectives in the history of the Americas. In this article, we analyze since this tradition the influence of the Greek and Latin mythology in the chroniclers written by three xvi Century churchmen: Bernardino de Sahagún, Jerónimo de Mendieta and José de Acosta. In their works, the comparison of the Graeco-roman gods and heroes with the gods of the natives had the purpose to bring closer to the readers the comprehension of these beliefs considering the classical mythology as a familiar reference, especially during Renaissance. The objective is the comprehension of the ‘otherness’. In addition, the classical is still a useful mean to facilitate conversion and legitimate the evangelization of the continent.