Very little is known about the first inhabitants of Fuerteventura, though it is believed that they were Cro-Magnons from North Africa.
The term Guanche is often used to describe the aboriginal people of the islands (pre Spanish Conquest) although technically the Guanches were the natives of Tenerife.
Although there is some debate as to the origin of these people, the natives of Fuerteventura were more than likely of Berber (North African) origin.
These natives of the Islands were generally Cave-dwellers, but they also built some very basic stone structures. It is said that the Guanches had no knowledge of Boats or Navigation, which is all the more strange when you consider that all of the Canary Islands were inhabited. There are not a great deal of archaeological remains except for a few Cave sites and the strange podomorph (feet) carvings at Tindaya (which is said to have been a sacred place).
When the first Europeans arrived they found the island divided into two Kingdoms, Maxorata and Jandia, divided at La Pared (literally The Wall), unfortunately nothing remains of this wall today.
The Name of the Island:
The Island first appears on a Map by Angelino Dulcet from 1339 under the name Forte Ventura. No one seems to agree on what the name means with various explanations being offered. They all agree that Forte/Fuerte means 'strong', but differ on the meaning of ventura – Luck/Happiness/Wind/Adventure – take your pick! We decided that this name was given due to the strong wind which blows since morning till sate evening almost everyday. The winds are stronger on the South Part of the island.
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