Honduras was populated mainly by smaller Indian tribes, not a great civilization, such as the Maya. In 1539, Lempira, the last Indian chief was killed. Honduras was incorporated into the Kingdom and Captaincy-General of Guatemala. During the 1570's, silver was discovered in Honduras. Silver mining played a crucial role in the development of the Ladino culture.
Ladinos are people of mixed Indian and Spanish race.
Indians used for labor in the mines were brought from different villages throughout the country. They were forced to use Spanish to communicate with one another, and a new culture developed. When Guatemala declared independence in 1821, Honduras followed suit. Both became part of Mexico, when Mexican forces marched into Central America. When Mexico's leader fell from power, both became part of the United Provinces of Central America.