Caupolicán the Younger facts for kids

Caupolicán the Younger was a brave leader of the Mapuche people in what is now Chile. He became a toqui (a Mapuche war chief) in 1558. This was after his father, the famous toqui Caupolicán, was captured and died. Caupolicán the Younger continued the fight against the Spanish explorers who were trying to take over Mapuche lands.

Caupolicán the Younger: A Young Mapuche Leader

According to a historian named Juan Ignacio Molina, Caupolicán the Younger was the son of the great Mapuche leader Caupolicán. When his father was captured and killed in 1558, the young Caupolicán was chosen to become the new toqui. He took on the important role of leading his people during a difficult time.

Continuing the Fight Against the Spanish

The Mapuche people were in the middle of their first big uprising against the Spanish. Caupolicán the Younger continued this fight. He led the Mapuche army in 1558. Their goal was to stop the Spanish leader, García Hurtado de Mendoza, 5th Marquis of Cañete, from building more forts. These forts were meant to control the Mapuche rebellion.

Building a Stronghold: The Quiapo Pukara

Caupolicán the Younger decided to build a strong fort, called a pukara, at a place called Quiapo. This pukara was built to block the Spanish from rebuilding a fort in Arauco. If the Spanish rebuilt that fort, it would complete a chain of forts that would make it harder for the Mapuche to fight for their freedom.

The Battle of Quiapo and His Legacy

A big battle took place at Quiapo, known as the Battle of Quiapo. Sadly, the Mapuche army suffered a major defeat in this battle. Caupolicán the Younger was killed during this fight. After his death, another leader named Illangulién became the next toqui.

Different Stories from History

It is interesting to know that not all historians agree on who led the Mapuche at Quiapo. Another early historian, Diego de Rosales, wrote that the toqui who led the battle at Quiapo was actually named Lemucaguin, not Caupolicán the Younger. Historians sometimes have different accounts based on the information they find.

Sources

• The Geographical, Natural, and Civil History of Chili By Don Juan Ignatius Molina, Longman, Hurst, Rees, and Orme, Paternoster-Row, London, 1809

See also

In Spanish: Caupolicán el joven para niños