Lincoyan facts for kids

Lincoyan was a brave leader of the Mapuche people in what is now Chile. He was born around 1519 in Arauco and died in 1560 in Cañete. Lincoyan became a toqui, which means a war chief, in 1550. He took over after the Mapuche faced a defeat at the Battle of Penco.

Lincoyan's main goal was to stop the Spanish invaders, led by Pedro de Valdivia. The Spanish were trying to build forts and cities on Mapuche land. This period was the beginning of the long Arauco War.

Early Fights Against the Spanish

From 1551 to 1553, Lincoyan led his people in many battles. He tried to stop Valdivia from taking over their lands. In 1551, Lincoyan attacked Valdivia near the Andalien River. However, a nearby Spanish fort was too strong and held out against his attacks.

Lincoyan continued fighting throughout 1551 and 1552. He led battles against Valdivia along the Cauten River. Even though he fought hard, he couldn't stop the Spanish from building their settlements.

Fighting Alongside Caupolicán

In 1553, Lincoyan was replaced as the main toqui by another famous Mapuche leader, Caupolicán. But Lincoyan was still a very important commander. He was given charge of a special division of warriors.

That same year, Lincoyan played a key role in important victories. He helped capture the Spanish forts of Arauco and Tucapel. Soon after, he defeated a strong Spanish group that was trying to protect the city of Imperial.

Lincoyan fought alongside Caupolicán in all his battles. He was part of every victory until Caupolicán's death in 1558. After Caupolicán died, Lincoyan continued to lead the fight against the Spanish. He kept fighting until he was killed in the Battle of Cañete in 1560.

See also

In Spanish: Lincoyán para niños