greater adelantado

The term "adelantado" (Spanish for "one who goes before") refers to a representative of the kings of Castile in Spain. During the early Middle Ages, these officials led military expeditions and, from the 13th century until the 16th century, held judicial and administrative authority over specific regions.1

There were "greater adelantados" (adelantados mayores) who served as appeal judges and were responsible for organizing their territories' armies during wartime. "Lesser adelantados" (adelantados menores) had similar powers but were often stationed on frontiers, becoming known as frontier adelantados (adelantados fronterizos). These frontier adelantados played a significant role in the military conquest of the Americas. By the 16th century, the office of adelantado was replaced by that of the alcalde, or magistrate.1