Battle of Catirai facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Catirai |
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| Part of Arauco War | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Spanish Empire |
 Mapuche |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Martín Ruiz de Gamboa |
Llanganabal, Millalelmo |
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The Battle of Catirai was an important fight that happened on January 7, 1569, in a place called Catirai in Chile. It was part of the Arauco War, a long conflict between the Mapuche people and the Spanish Empire. In this battle, the Mapuche army, led by their chief, or Toqui, Llanganabal, defeated the Spanish army, which was led by Martín Ruiz de Gamboa.
A Time of Conflict
In 1569, the Mapuche people were fighting to protect their lands from the Spanish. The Spanish Governor of Chile, Melchor Bravo de Saravia, had been sending his soldiers to burn fields and homes (called rucas) near the Biobío River. This made the Mapuche determined to resist.
Mapuche Preparations
The Mapuche army was led by Llanganabal, with Millalelmo and other brave captains helping him. They decided to build a strong fort on a steep, wooded hill in the aillarehue (a type of Mapuche territory) of Catirai. This spot was very hard to attack because of its difficult slopes and thick trees.
The Spanish Attack
A Spanish captain named Lorenzo Bernal del Mercado had explored the Mapuche fort and warned his leaders that it would be very difficult to capture. However, some Spanish soldiers who were new to Chile and the Arauco War did not listen to his advice. They convinced Governor Saravia to order Martín Ruiz de Gamboa to attack the fort.
Llanganabal had gathered all his soldiers at the fort, ready to defend it. When Gamboa's Spanish force tried to attack up the steep, wooded hill, they faced strong resistance. The Mapuche had a great advantage because of their well-chosen and fortified position.
Mapuche Victory
Because of the difficult terrain and the strong defense by the Mapuche, Gamboa's army was badly defeated. This battle was a significant victory for the Mapuche, showing their strength and skill in defending their land.
See also
In Spanish: Batalla de Catirai para niños
