Who was Tlahuicole?

Tlahuicole, who lived from 1497 until 1518, was a Tlaxcaltec warrior. He is noted in history for his skill and ethical standards. Tlahuicole was regarded as the most formidable hero of his country, and commanded the Tlaxcaltec forces in the civil war in 1516 between the partisans of Cacamatzin and Ixtlilxochitl II. He was taken prisoner in the war and ultimately was brought to Mexico City. Because of his bravery and character, Moctezuma II, the Aztec king, ordered Tlahuicole's release. This was an act by the king that had no precedent in Mexican history.

However, Tlahuicole was seen as a person who had fraternized with the enemy. So, he finally asked the Aztec king for a warrior’s death. In the end, he got his request. He had to fight.

Tlahuicole was ordered to stand on a giant stone platform while eight of the Aztec’s finest Eagle Warriors attempted to kill him. Tlahuicole effortlessly killed them all, and injured an 20 additional men before he was killed. To honor him, Tlahuicole was immediately given a warrior's burial.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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14 Comments

Carole Cottrell

Crammed a lot into 21 years.

Ben

A Spanish born sculptor Manuel Villar created a plaster cast of tlahuicole, the tlaxcaltecan general, fighting in the gladiatorial sacrifice in 1851 while working at the academy of san Carlos in Mexico city, the first art academy in the Americas. Based on Greco-Roman art to portray a heroized warrior from mexica and tlaxcalan history. At least he is real compared to Philippines lapu-lapu, no history ever exist about him.

mainjim

Didn't the creator of Beavis and Butthead base a character on him?

Corey Taylor

Sounds like the Red Baron of his time. In 1918, the Baron was shot in mid-air, but managed to land behind Allied lines. Out of respect, like the Aztecs did for Tlahuicole, the Allies who captured the mortally wounded Baron buried him with full military honors.