Tzilacatzin facts for kids
Tzilacatzin was a very brave warrior from a city called Tlatelolco. He belonged to a special group of warriors known as the Otontin. Tzilacatzin became a famous hero during a big battle called the Siege of Tenochtitlan. This was when the Spanish tried to take over the Aztec capital.
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A Brave Tlatelolca Warrior
During the time the Spaniards entered Tlatelolco, Tzilacatzin was known as one of the bravest leaders. He fought alongside two other strong warriors, Tzoyectzin and Temoctzin. These three led the Tlatelolca people in their fight.
Fighting the Spanish Invaders
According to stories told by people from Tlatelolco, the Spanish ships, called brigantines, landed on the island. These ships were led by a man named Pedro de Alvarado. At first, the Tlatelolca warriors were unsure about attacking. But Tzilacatzin, who was very strong, bravely threw stones at the Spaniards. He managed to hit and defeat several of them.
Clever Tactics and Disguises
The Spaniards soon noticed Tzilacatzin because of his strength and bravery. They started to focus their attacks on him. To avoid being a target, Tzilacatzin was very clever. He would often change his appearance to look like a regular soldier. This way, he would not attract too much attention from the enemy.
He used different items to change how he looked. Sometimes he wore a hairpiece made of eagle feathers. Other times, he used special accessories like a golden earplug, a necklace made of shells, or a lip pendant. These changes helped him blend in. But sometimes, he would fight without any armor or head protection. He did this to show how fearless he was and to scare the Spaniards with his courage.
Driving Back the Enemy
Later, Spanish ships landed in an area called Xocotitlan. Tzilacatzin and his men bravely fought them. They were so strong that they forced the Spaniards to go back to their boats and run away. Tzilacatzin was known as one of only three warriors who never showed fear when facing the Spanish invaders.
Unwavering Courage in Battle
One story tells how the fighting was intense and lasted day and night. Many warriors were hurt on both sides. Yet, Tzilacatzin, along with Tzoyectzin and Temoctzin, never hid their faces. They did not care about their own safety. They kept fighting even when the Spaniards were tired and could not break through their defenses. The Spanish soldiers eventually had to retreat to their camp, feeling defeated.
See also
In Spanish: Tzilacatzin para niños
