The Criollos were a social class in the caste system of the overseas colonies established by Spain in the 16th century, especially in Latin America.
The name was used for people of pure or mostly Spanish blood, but who were born in the colony.
On the frontier of the Spanish empire, criollos held more important positions in the colonial administration because of the scarcity of peninsulars and their reluctance to serve in remote regions.
The Spanish class included Spanish colonists born in the Americas was called "Criollos," although it should be noted that not all colonists born in the Americas were necessarily included in this.
