Jos de Antequera y Castro

José de Antequera y Castro was a 18th-century Spanish colonial official known for his role in the Revolt of the Comuneros in Paraguay. Born in Panama around 1690, he initially served as a judge and lawyer before being appointed as the inspector general of the Real Audiencia de Buenos Aires in 1723. His career took a dramatic turn when he was sent to investigate Governor Diego de los Reyes Balmaceda, who faced corruption charges. Antequera arrived in Asunción in October 1721 and soon after accused Balmaceda of embezzlement and mismanagement. He declared the governor's position vacant and assumed control himself, leading to a period of instability as he attempted to govern Paraguay with limited support from local elites. His actions sparked widespread discontent among Spanish settlers, known as *comuneros*, who opposed his policies. In 1725, Antequera was captured by rebels and imprisoned in Asunción. He escaped the following year but faced renewed charges of treason. His lenient treatment in Lima ended when unrest broke out in Paraguay again, led by new figures like Fernando de Mompox y Zayas, who continued to challenge Spanish authority. In May 1731, Antequera's situation worsened after news reached Lima of the rejection of a new governor for Paraguay. He was confined to solitary confinement and denied visitors. A letter from Madrid confirmed his guilt of treason, leading to his execution on July 5, 1731, in Plaza Mayor de Lima. Despite initial public outcry, he was killed by soldiers sent by Viceroy Joaquín de la Peña ...