The conquest of Iximché

Muros de piedras apiladas en la plaza de Iximché. Historical Background: Differences between the kingdoms weakened the Mayan population during the conquest and provided his own defeat. Allies in the past, both kingdoms occupied what is now Chichicastenango during the rule of the king Quicab ("The Great"). A rebellion in 1470 split the kingdom and the Kaqchikel migrated to what is now Iximché.

Iximche, a past greatness

The city was founded in 1463, according to Mayan tradition at a site flanked by natural defenses (ravines in this case), this facilitated defend the city in case of invasion, but did not imagine the magnitude of his new enemy during the Spanish conquest.

What we see today peacefully Iximché was full of people, members of a clan with well-organized military forces. The architectural remains we see in this are remains of palaces, plazas and ball courts at the time Maya was colorfully decorated and galas were the kingdom.

Much of the structure was destroyed during the conquest and stone buildings dismantled for its stones used in construction in Tecpán Spanish.

Weakening Iximché

In 1496, prior to the arrival of the Spanish and only thirty-three years after its founding, Iximché is attacked but not defeated. Conflicts with K'iches (Quiche) persisted with some impact on the stability of the city. Veinticinto years later (1521) an epidemic punished the population by reducing their number, the event has its origin in the new diseases brought by the Spanish for which the people had no immunity, it was just 3 years of history-making contest Iximché.

Final Iximché

Unlike other cities in fighting that had Maya against the Spanish, the Kakchiquel, who continued differences with the puelgo Quiché, were peacefully Pedro de Alvarado and offering his support to defeat their common enemies together. With Gumarcaaj, kingdom Quiché defeated and now taking place in Iximche, was founded the first Spanish city on the site (though not yet built), this happens on July 25, 1524, thus ending the last Maya capital and beginning of first Spanish woman "Santiago de los Caballeros in Guatemala."

Iximché ends his chapter as a Mayan city in history and from here to launch attacks on other Mayan cities of the territory, defeating the occupying Tzutujiles Atitlán. They were resistant but just the territory was conquered. Later headed armies Izquintepeque (Escuintla).

Iximché Rebellion

Soon the city residents feel the weight of conquest and oppression that enslave demanding gold and taxes.

Iximché peaceful takeover was only delaying the inevitable: the expression of distress of its inhabitants. Soon led the first rebellion of indigenous Kaqchikel, who were also leaving the city. Pedro de Alvarado ordered to burn Iximché.

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