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The Forgotten Battle of Tecún Umán and the Spanish Conquest of Guatemala
Season 2
Episode 71
Published 2 weeks, 1 day ago
Description
In 1524, the K'iche' Maya ruler Tecún Umán led his warriors against Pedro de Alvarado in the highlands of Guatemala. This episode explores the Battle of Quetzaltenango, the death of Tecún Umán, and how Alvarado used Tlaxcalan and Kaqchikel allies to subdue the Maya kingdoms. We examine the cultural significance of the quetzal bird, the legend of Tecún Umán as a national hero, and the contrasting accounts in Spanish chronicles and Maya oral traditions. A nuanced look at resistance, alliance, and the reshaping of Mesoamerica beyond the Aztec heartland.