Levi Villarreal

Ruy Diaz de Mendoza Levi Villarreal

Ruy Diaz de Mendoza was a "caballero muy principal" of Granada. His historical importance is primarily due to his relationships with famous people of the 16th century. He was a relative of the Marques de Mondejar and married to Doña Catalina de Salazar, the daughter of Factor of New Spain Gonzalo Salazar. His granddaughter Doña Madalena de Mendoza financed the conquest of New Mexico. His grandsons Vicente Zaldivar and Juan Zaldivar were granted important military positions by their uncle Adelantado Juan de Oñate. His ancestry has long been a mystery. Researcher Levi Villarreal, a many time descendant, takes the reader on a journey to uncover the origins of Ruy Diaz de Mendoza.