The municipality was founded long before
the arrival of the Spaniards by the Indians of the tribe Mocaná who, after
strong resistance to the colonists surrendered. At the time of its discovery by
the Spaniards, the region was ruled by Cacique PHION, which gave rise to the
current name. On June 2, 1533, soldiers came under Captain Francisco César,
establishing the date of discovery. His first encomenderos was Don Juan de
Torregrosa. In 1549 passes that instructs Don Juan and Dona Constancia Viloria
Herrera until 1651, year in which he gave Nicolas Pantoja of Heras; this in
turn transferred it to
