Battle of Tucapel
Near Fort Tucapel, Cañete, Chile
What happened
Mapuche leaders Lautaro and Caupolicán fought Spanish soldiers led by Pedro de Valdivia, the Spanish governor of Chile. Spanish conquerors were taking over Mapuche lands in southern Chile, and the Mapuche rose up to resist. As a boy Lautaro had been captured by Valdivia and worked in his stables, where he learned about horses and Spanish fighting methods, before escaping back to his people. At Tucapel the Mapuche attacked in wave after wave, pulling the tired Spanish riders off their horses, and Lautaro's attack from the side destroyed the Spanish force.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was a great Mapuche victory in the Arauco War, a conflict that went on for many years. Lautaro is honoured today in Chile for resisting conquest.
What came next
Pedro de Valdivia was captured and died. Lautaro won more battles before he died in 1557.
Did you know?
Lautaro is often called Chile's first general and is honoured by both Mapuche and non-Mapuche Chileans.
Timeline
- 1550sLautaro escapes from Valdivia and returns to his people.
- 25 December 1553The Mapuche defeat Valdivia at Tucapel.
- 1557Lautaro dies in an ambush.