Battle of Reynogüelén (1536) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Reynogüelén
Date Southern winter of 1536 Location Reynogüelén Result Spanish Victory
Belligerents
Spanish Empire	Mapuche tribes
Commanders and leaders
Gómez de Alvarado	Unknown
Strength
100 cavalry and 100 Spanish infantry, plus about 4,400 to 5,000 "indios auxiliares" (local helpers)	Estimated 8,000 warriors
Casualties and losses
2 Spaniards killed several Spaniards and horses wounded many helpers killed or wounded	heavy

The Battle of Reynogüelén was an important fight between Spanish explorers, called conquistadors, and Mapuche warriors. It happened in 1536 near where the Ñuble and Itata Rivers meet in Chile. This battle was an early event that led to the longer Arauco War.

The Story of the Battle

In 1536, a Spanish leader named Diego de Almagro arrived in the Mapocho Valley. He sent another leader, Gómez de Alvarado, on an important trip. Alvarado's group included 200 Spanish soldiers (100 on horseback and 100 on foot). They also had a large group of local helpers, known as Indian auxiliaries.

Exploring South

Their mission was to explore the land south of Chile, all the way to the Strait of Magellan. The group traveled without much trouble at first. They passed through areas where the Promaucaes people lived.

Meeting the Mapuche

After crossing the Itata River, Alvarado's group met a very large group of Mapuche warriors. There might have been as many as 8,000 Mapuche fighters. They were armed with many bows and long spears.

The Fight Begins

The Mapuche warriors attacked the Spanish group many times. But the Spanish soldiers were able to push them back each time. The Mapuche were surprised by the Spanish horses, their strong iron weapons, and their armor. These things were completely new to them.

Because of these new things and their losses, the Mapuche warriors eventually retreated. They left many dead and more than 100 prisoners. The Spanish lost only two men, but some others were hurt.

Why It Mattered

Gómez de Alvarado was very impressed by how fiercely the Mapuche fought. He also noticed that there didn't seem to be much gold or silver in these lands. So, he decided to go back and tell Almagro what had happened. This battle greatly influenced Almagro's entire trip. It was one reason why his whole group decided to return to Peru the next year.

See also

• In Spanish: Batalla de Reinohuelén para niños