Alonso Gutiérrez

Who was Alonso Gutiérrez?

Alonso Gutiérrez, also known as Alonso de la Vera Cruz was a Spanish philosopher and Augustinian, who took the religious name da Vera Cruz. He became a major intellectual figure in New Spain, where he worked from 1535 to 1562, and from 1573 to his death, and in the history of Mexico.

Gutiérrez was born in Caspueñas, Guadalajara. He studied under Francisco de Vitoria, at Salamanca University.

He wrote in favour of the human rights of the conquered peoples. In 1553 he became the first professor of the University of Mexico. He died in Mexico City.