Tlahuicole was a legendary warrior from the Republic of Tlaxcala, a city-state that resisted the domination of the Aztec Empire. He was renowned for his martial skill, ethical standards, and heroic deeds. He died at the age of 21 in 1518, just one year before the Spanish conquest of Mexico began. But how did he die, and why is his death considered so glorious? In this article, we will explore the life and death of Tlahuicole, the Hercules of ancient Mexico.
Contents
Tlahuicole’s Early Life and Career
Tlahuicole was born in 1497 in Tlaxcala, a confederation of four allied cities that maintained their independence from the Aztecs. He was trained as a warrior from a young age, and soon proved himself to be a formidable fighter. He fought with a heavy club that an ordinary soldier could barely lift from the ground. He also wore a distinctive feathered headdress that made him stand out on the battlefield.
Tlahuicole rose to fame when he commanded the Tlaxcaltec forces in the civil war of 1516 between the partisans of Cacamatzin and Ixtlilxochitl II, two rival rulers of Texcoco, an Aztec tributary state. He led his army to victory against the Aztecs, who supported Cacamatzin. He also captured many prisoners of war, including some nobles and warriors of high rank.
Tlahuicole’s Capture and Release by the Aztecs
After his triumph in the civil war, Tlahuicole was captured by stratagem by the Aztecs, who wanted to make him a sacrifice to their gods. He was brought to Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital, where he was presented to Moctezuma II, the emperor. Moctezuma was so impressed by Tlahuicole’s bravery and character that he ordered his release, an act unprecedented in Aztec history.
But Tlahuicole refused to accept Moctezuma’s generosity. He said that it would be infamous for him to return to his country after being conquered, and insisted on suffering the fate of the other prisoners. Moctezuma, anxious to save his life, offered him the command of an army about to be sent against the Purépechas, who had invaded his frontiers. Tlahuicole accepted Moctezuma’s offer, hoping to meet a glorious death in the ensuing battle.
Tlahuicole’s Final Battle and Sacrifice
Tlahuicole advanced at the head of the Aztec troops to the city of Tangimoroa (modern Ciudad Hidalgo), called by the Aztecs Tlaximaloyan. He cut through the Purépecha army, which made a desperate resistance, and defeated them several times. He returned to Tenochtitlan, laden with spoils and accompanied by a long train of captives.
Moctezuma lavished fresh honors on him, but failed to persuade him to accept the perpetual office of commander-in-chief or to return to his native country. He refused constantly, alleging that to do the first would be treason to his country, and to do the second would be a stain on his glory. At last Moctezuma consented to satisfy the desire of his general, and ordered him to be tied to the stone of the gladiators for the final contest.
He was armed in the usual fashion, and Moctezuma, with all his court, was present at the spectacle. Eight famous warriors of Anahuac attacked him one after the other, and were all disabled: the ninth, however, stunned him with a blow, and he was then put to death, with the customary ceremonies.
Tlahuicole’s Legacy and Significance
Tlahuicole’s death was mourned by both sides, as he was respected as a hero and a warrior by all. His story was recorded by various chroniclers, such as Diego Durán, Bernal Díaz del Castillo, and Fernando de Alva Ixtlilxochitl. His statue was erected in Tlaxcala by Manuel Vilar in 1852, and he is still remembered as one of the most remarkable figures of pre-Hispanic Mexico.
Tlahuicole’s death is significant for several reasons. First, it shows how complex and diverse were the political and cultural relations between different Mesoamerican peoples before and during the Spanish conquest. Second, it illustrates how some indigenous warriors chose to die rather than to submit to a foreign power, whether it was the Aztecs or the Spaniards. Third, it demonstrates how the Aztecs valued courage and honor, even in their enemies, and how they practiced a ritualized form of warfare that involved sacrifice and gladiatorial combat.
Tlahuicole’s death is also a source of inspiration and pride for many modern Mexicans, especially those of Tlaxcaltec descent. He is seen as a symbol of resistance, dignity, and heroism in the face of adversity. He is also an example of how the indigenous cultures of Mexico have contributed to the national identity and history of the country.
Conclusion
Tlahuicole was a Tlaxcaltec warrior who died a glorious death in 1518, after being captured by the Aztecs and refusing to accept their offers of freedom or power. He fought bravely against the Purépechas and the Aztecs, and was admired by both friends and foes. His story is one of the most fascinating and dramatic episodes of pre-Hispanic Mexico, and his legacy lives on in the memory and culture of the Mexican people.
