The end of the Mam empire
According to historical accounts the name of the region was Memejuyú. It was time that his warriors will face the Spanish.
Chinabajul, as it was called, was the capital of the kingdom Mam who maintain strong relationships with Nebaj (in Quiché and Kaminal Juyú in what is now Guatemala City).
The kingdom would Mam Maya kingdoms of the few collaborative approach to take to stop join forces against the Spanish, while other Mayan groups were facing each other.
Although Zaculeu Utatlán and fundamentally different from many years ago, and were working on logistical efforts to defend against the Spanish.
Pedro de Alvarado was evident that these two kingdoms were warriors and would Zaculeu battle. Anticipating that such a spirit would inspire other Mayan groups already conquered, decided to accelerate the achievement of the Mam.
The ancestral tradition backfires
The Maya built their cities on high ground and the geographic advantage as defenses. This proved very effective in the early history of conquests and defeats, but against the Spanish would be fatal.
Zaculeu had only one exit and entry sides was surrounded by inaccessible. This was apparent to the Spanish who laid siege to the city. The mam attacked several times in the open field in impressive displays but were defeated. Meanwhile, the Spanish tried to enter by any means to the city but it was impossible for the natural defenses.
Soon the kingdom mom felt the weight to exhaust their supplies and Kaibil Balam attempted to leave the city with a group of warriors at night, were intercepted and returned to the kingdom which was already weakened. The army under the command of Gonzalo de Alvarado (Pedro de Alvarado's brother) fought an army of thousands, and during one attack Gonzalo took the life of his boss Can Ilocab. He led the army began to retreat.
Kaibil Balam, lord of the realm mam decided to discuss a peace agreement between the people, but the Spanish did not give truce demanded they leave town to conquer and unarmed close the chapter and the city's defenses. The United Mam left his mark on history pitted against an army equipped with horses and metal weapons (a feat of great value.) Now the year 1525 was shaping up as a time of Spanish advance on Guatemalan territory.
Read more about the Mayan archaeological site Zaculeu, photographs and how to get CiudadesMayas.com
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Meaning of the name Guatemala
Maya kingdoms that existed during the Spanish conquest
The conquest of Iximché
Ah Cacao Gran Jaguar
Guatemala, Central Americas first city
Mayan wisdom confronts religion
Takalik Abaj, city link in Maya history
Double Headed Serpent Temple
Maya city Yax Mutal
October 20, day of the Revolution
Utatlán city falls, Spain began the conquest
Cahi Tunatiuh Imox and the conqueror
Retalhuleu
Fire Volcano Volcán de Fuego
Paradise Waterfall, warm water waterfall