Tabscoob facts for kids
Tabscoob was an important Maya leader of the Potonchán area. He is famous for leading the Chontal Maya people in a big battle against Spanish soldiers. This battle, called the Battle of Centla, happened on March 14, 1519. The Spanish forces were led by Hernán Cortés.
Tabscoob's people traded with the Mexicas and other Maya groups. They especially traded with the people of Chakán Putum. After meeting Spanish explorers like Francisco Hernández de Córdoba and Juan de Grijalva, the Chakán Putum people warned the Chontal Maya to be careful. On June 8, 1518, Juan de Grijalva landed in Potonchán. He met Tabscoob and, it is said, gave him a green velvet jacket.
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War Against Xicalango in 1513
Between Potonchán and the island of Tris was a town called Xicalango. This town was a major port on the Gulf of Mexico. However, the people of Xicalango were different from the Maya. They often had problems with Potonchán. The Xicalangos frequently crossed into Tabasco territory. This led to a war in 1513. Tabscoob led an army of 20,000 men and defeated the Xicalangos.
It was common for the defeated people to give gifts to the winners. So, Chief Tabscoob received many people who would serve him. One of these people was Malintzin, who later became well-known as "La Malinche."
Meeting with Juan de Grijalva in 1518
On June 8, 1518, the Spanish explorer Juan de Grijalva arrived at Potonchán. With the help of Maya interpreters, he started a friendly talk with the local people. He also gave them gifts. Grijalva asked to meet their leader. Soon, Chief Tabscoob appeared with his nobles and greeted the Spanish captain. During their talk, both leaders exchanged gifts. Tabscoob gave Grijalva gold plates shaped like armor and some feathers. Grijalva gave the Maya chief his green velvet jacket.
Tabscoob told Grijalva about a place called Culua. He said it was "toward where the sun set." He also said there was much more gold there. Grijalva spoke politely with the Maya chief. He said he came from a great lord named Charles V. Grijalva explained that his lord was good and wanted them to be his subjects. Tabscoob replied that his people were happy as they were. He said they did not need another lord. He also said that if Grijalva wanted to stay friends, the Spanish should leave. After getting water and supplies, Grijalva sailed towards Culua. Today, this place is called San Juan de Ulúa.
Arrival of Hernán Cortés in 1519
On March 12, 1519, the Spanish explorer Hernán Cortés reached the mouth of the Grijalva River. He decided to anchor his ships. Then, he entered the river in small boats. He was looking for the big city of Indigenous people that Juan de Grijalva had described. Cortés landed at a place called Punta de Palmares, right at the river's mouth.
Cortés used a translator to speak to some Indigenous people in a boat. He told them that he and his men would not harm them. He said they came in peace and only wanted to talk. But Cortés saw that the local people still seemed ready to fight. So, he ordered weapons to be brought to the boats. He gave them to archers and musketeers. He then started planning how to attack the town.
Taking Over Potonchán
The next day, March 13, 1519, Cortés planned his attack on Potonchán. He sent Alonso de Avila with one hundred soldiers. They went on the road leading to the village. Cortés and another group of soldiers went in the small boats. On the shore, Cortés made a formal request. He did this in front of a royal notary named Diego de Godoy. He asked to be allowed to land. This was the first official legal document made by the Spanish in Mexico.
The Indigenous people refused Cortés's request. So, Cortés decided to attack, and the fighting began. Tabscoob's forces and Cortés's soldiers fought fiercely. Alonso de Ávila's forces arrived at the back of the settlement. This made the local people run away. The Spanish soldiers then took over the town.
Battle of Centla
On March 14, Tabscoob's forces fought on the plains of Cintla. Cortés estimated his army had 40,000 men. They fought against the Spaniards led by Hernán Cortés. This was the [[Potonch%C3%Bán#Battle_of_Centla|Battle of Centla]]. It was the first major battle for the Spanish explorers in what later became New Spain. The Spanish had powerful firearms. The appearance of their horses also caused surprise and fear. The local people had never seen horses before. They thought the animal and rider were one creature. These factors helped the Spanish army of over 410 soldiers win the battle.
Days later, on April 16, Chief Tabscoob and his leaders met Cortés. They promised loyalty to the Spanish Crown. As was the custom, Tabscoob offered people to help Cortés. Among them was Malintzin, who became very important for Cortés in his conquest of Mexico.
However, the conquest of Tabasco was not yet complete. The Indigenous people often fought against the Spaniards. It took 45 years of battles and strong military actions. Only then could the Spanish explorers finally overcome the fighting spirit of the people of Tabasco.
Name of the State of Tabasco
Many people believe that the name of the Mexican state of Tabasco comes from this ruler. There is a monument in the state capital of Villahermosa that honors his memory.
See also
In Spanish: Tabscoob para niños
