Bayano, also known as Vaino, was an African enslaved by Spaniards who led the biggest of the slave revolts of 16th Century Panama. Captured from the Mandinka tribe in Western Africa, it is alleged that he and his comrades were Muslim. Different tales tell of their revolt in 1552 beginning either on the ship en route, or after landing in Panama's Darien province along its modern-day border with Colombia. Rebel slaves, known as cimarrones, set up autonomous regions known as palenques, many of which successfully fended off Spanish control for centuries using guerrilla war and alliances with pirates, or indigenous nations who were in similar circumstances. A slave rebellion is an armed uprising by slaves. ... The Mandinka are a people of West Africa. ... Africa is the worlds second-largest and second most populous continent, after Asia. ... A Muslim (Arabic: مسلم) (sometimes also spelled Moslem) is an adherent of Islam. ... Events April - War between Henry II of France and Emperor Charles V. Henry invades Lorraine and captures Toul, Metz, and Verdun. ... Darién can also refer to places in Panama: Darién Province The town of Darién, founded by Vasco Núñez de Balboa. ... A recent printing of Edna Ferbers Cimarron. ... The Palace, Ruins of Palenque Palenque is a Maya archeological site not far from the Usumacinta River in the state of Chiapas, Mexico, about 130 km. ... Distinguish from the type of ape called a gorilla. ... This article is about sea pirates. ...

King Bayano's forces numbered between four and twelve hundred cimarrones, depending upon different sources, and set up a palenque known as Ronconcholon near modern-day Chepo River, also known as Rio Bayano. They fought their guerrilla war for over five years while building their community. The account written by Dr. AbdulKhabeer Muhammad explains that they created democratic councils and built moques. Bayano gained truces with Panama's colonial governor, but the Commander Ursua successfully captured the guerrilla leader, who was then sent to Peru and then to Spain, where he died. Bayano's revolt coincided with others, including those of Felipillo and Luis de Mozambique. In general, the word colonial means of or relating to a colony. In United States history, the term Colonial is used to refer to the period before US independence. ...

Bayano's name has become immortal in the Panamanian consciousness through the naming of a major river, a valley, a dam, and several companies after him.