Simón Bolívar was a leader who liberated Colombia and 5 neighboring countries, but besides what we have all read, you should know the facts that no one writes about.
Normally when you read about the life of Simón Bolívar or go to a museum or his house in Bogotá, they tell you what you want to hear, which is the relevant details. Only a few guides talk about the juicy stuff, so keep reading, because here I’ll tell you everything you didn’t know about Simón Bolívar that not every guide will tell you, but you should still know because he is the most important person in the history of Colombia and a big part of Latin America too.
His long name!
Simón José Antonio de la Santísima Trinidad Bolívar Palacio Ponte y Blanco was his full name. Too much, I know, but back then, Catholics added a second or a third name to their child depending on the Saint who was celebrated in the month the kid was born. In some cases, like Simón Bolívar, they are named by the church where they got baptized and that’s where “Santísima Trinidad” is from.
Tiny but without limits
We all know Bolívar as a leader and powerful person and judging from books and pictures, we think he was tall and had a very commanding presence. These qualities are true except his height. His stature was 1.68m (5’5”) so now you will understand why his stuff at “La Quinta de Bolívar” (Bolivar’s House) like his clothes are kind of little, but as this title says, it didn’t limit him from liberating 6 countries from Spaniards.
A good poker face
Simón Bolívar was also known for being a great poker player. It’s not a surprise since he was such a strategic-minded person. At his house in Bogotá, you can see his playroom which he frequently played and bet with his guests.
Pretty good writer
We have found letters from Bolívar addressed to many people, like politicians, family members and lovers too. In his time and also today, he is recognized as being an amazing writer because of his extensive vocabulary; writing important documents such as the Pro-Independence Proclamation, War to the Death Decree and many others. Also, he was able to dictate 2 to 3 letters simultaneously. What a skill!
More than a lover, a conqueror
Regardless of his appearance who wasn’t too much for the stereotype back then, Simón Bolívar had a deep look and very good at wooing women, making him a womanizer. There are records in letters that he had 35 women in his life. He started this passionate course at a young age, but there were 2 women that stole his heart: his wife, María Teresa Rodríguez del Toro, and Manuela Sáenz, his lover.
How he died
It’s still a mystery. In 1830, Simón Bolívar died at 47 years old. According to the autopsy they discovered he died due to tuberculosis. His death was very sudden and suspicious because of the people who surrounded him at the moment. That’s why nowadays people have their doubts.
We know what Simón Bolívar did and left behind in Colombia and the other countries he liberated. If you want to know more about the History of Bogotá make a click here, and also I recommend you visit all the places that bear his name in Bogotá, like Simón Bolívar Park, Plaza Simón Bolívar, “La Quinta de Simón Bolívar”.
Hope you like the history of Bogotá as much as I do, and keep reading more important facts and information you should know for your travel to this beautiful city that keeps growing!
Comment down below if you find out any facts that don’t appear on the list and share it with the friend you want to visit “La Quinta de Simón Bolívar” with (located in Calle 21 #4A-30 East)!
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