Battle of Millarapue facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Millarapue
Part of Arauco War
Date November 30, 1557 Location Vicinity of Millarapue, Arauco, Chile Result Spanish Victory
Belligerents
Spanish Empire	Mapuche
Commanders and leaders
García Hurtado de Mendoza	Caupolicán Turcupichun
Strength
more than 600 Spaniards	more than 20,000 Mapuche
Casualties and losses
Some wounded and many horses dead.	3,000 killed, 800 captured most badly injured.

The Battle of Millarapue was a major fight during the Arauco War in Chile. It happened on November 30, 1557. The Mapuche leader, Toqui Caupolicán, planned a surprise attack on the Spanish army. This army was led by García Hurtado de Mendoza. However, the ambush did not work, and the battle ended with a Spanish victory.

History of the Battle of Millarapue

Spanish Advance and Mapuche Ambush Plan

After winning the Battle of Lagunillas, the Spanish leader Mendoza wanted to find a big battle. He hoped to defeat the Mapuche army once and for all. The Spanish forces set up camp at Millarapue on November 29.

The Mapuche army, under Caupolicán, planned to attack the Spanish camp by surprise. They wanted to strike at dawn on November 30. This day was special for the Spaniards; it was the day of San Andres. As part of their celebration, the Spanish played trumpets in the morning.

The Failed Ambush and Fierce Fighting

The Mapuche warriors heard the trumpets. They thought the Spanish had discovered their secret plan. Believing their ambush was found out, Caupolicán ordered his army to attack right away.

A brave Mapuche warrior named Galvarino led some of the fighters. He encouraged his comrades to push forward. The battle was very intense and lasted for many hours. It began at dawn and continued until early afternoon.

Mapuche Defeat and Spanish Victory

In the end, the Mapuche army was defeated. About 3,000 Mapuche warriors were killed, and 800 were captured. Captured Mapuche leaders faced harsh punishment. Galvarino, who was captured again, was also severely punished.

After their victory, the Spanish army moved on to Tucapel. They built a new fort there called Cañete. This new fort was not far from where Valdivia's old fort of Tucapel had once stood.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Millarapue para niños