Loble facts for kids

Loble, also known as Lig-lemu or Lillemu, was a brave Mapuche leader. He was a vice-toqui, which means he was a high-ranking commander. Loble led the Mapuche people living north of the Bio-Bio River. He played a key role in the second Mapuche revolt during the Arauco War. This was a long conflict between the Mapuche and the Spanish.

Loble's Early Victories

Loble quickly showed his strength as a leader. He led his warriors against Captain Francisco de Vaca's troops. These Spanish soldiers were bringing help from Santiago. Loble's forces defeated them in the Itata River valley.

Around the same time, another Mapuche leader, Millalelmo, also had a victory. He ambushed Spanish soldiers coming from Angol. This happened at a crossing of the Andalién River. These victories meant the Mapuche had cut off the city of Concepción. No more help could reach the Spanish there by land.

The Siege of Concepción

In February 1564, Millalelmo and Loble joined forces. They led about 20,000 Mapuche warriors to attack Concepción. They surrounded the city in what is called a siege. The siege lasted for about two months.

By late March, two Spanish ships arrived. They brought food and supplies to Concepción. This meant the Spanish could hold out much longer. However, the Mapuche were running out of food. It was hard to feed such a large army away from their homes. The harvest season was also coming. The Mapuche warriors worried their families might starve. They also feared their homes could be attacked by the Spanish from Angol or Santiago.

So, on April 1, the Mapuche leaders decided to end the siege. Their army went home for the winter.

Final Battle and Capture

In January 1565, the Spanish governor, Pedro de Villagra, left Santiago. He marched south with 150 Spanish soldiers and 800 Native American helpers.

While Villagra was in Santiago, Loble had built a strong fort. This fort was called a pucara. It was located on the Perquilauquén River. This fort blocked the main road south to Concepción.

Villagra attacked Loble's fort in the Second Battle of Reinohuelén. Villagra's forces quickly captured it. They also defeated the Mapuche army defending it. Soon after this battle, Loble was bringing more warriors to the fort. He did not know his army had already been defeated. Villagra's men ambushed Loble. He was defeated and captured.

In the next few months, Governor Villagra ended the Mapuche revolt. This was the revolt led by Loble north of the Bio-Bio River.

See also

In Spanish: Loble para niños