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The Mixtón War: Caxcan Rebellion Against Spanish Rule
Season 4
Episode 177
Published 3 weeks ago
Description
In 1540, a massive indigenous uprising erupted in Nueva Galicia, led by a Caxcan leader named Tenamaxtli. This episode explores the Mixtón War—a desperate rebellion against the brutal encomienda system imposed by Nuño de Guzmán. We trace the causes from Guzmán's slaving raids to the spark at Nochistlán, the siege that drew Pedro de Alvarado to his death, and Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza's final campaign. Drawing on indigenous accounts and Spanish records, we examine how this war shaped colonial policy and hardened the caste system. A story of resistance, betrayal, and the high cost of empire.