Military Confrontations

    Although they did not face many other civilizations or countries, the Mayan peoples were often involved in violent warfare. These conflicts were usually between many Mayan societies, and were often over the available resources, such as obsidian. The kings ruling these city-states were also attempting to expand their realm and therefore increase both their political power and their wealth. However, religion also drove many of these wars, as the Mayans required captives to sacrifice in their many rites and rituals.

    The other major conflict the Mayans faced was against the Spanish, who originally began attacking them in the 1500’s. The Spanish were hoping to gain slaves to replace the Cubans, and to harvest some of the rich resources in the area.

    In 1511, the first Spanish ship stumbled upon Mesoamerica. It had a miniscule crew of seventeen, two of which were women. On contact, they were captured by the Mayans. Most were used as slaves or sacrificed to the Mayan gods; however, two survived. The first was Geronimo de Aguilar, who had befriended the ruler of one Mayan tribe. Several years later, Aguilar acted as a translator for the Spanish priest Hernan Cortes, who planned to convert Mayans to Christianity. The second was Gonzalo Guerrero. Guerrero was originally taken as a slave, but earned his freedom through acts of bravery and bravado. Soon, he had become a renowned warrior, fully assimilated into the culture. In fact, Guerrero was famous amongst the Mayans, and greatly respected by the nobles and royalty. He settled in the city-state of Chetumal and even married, having three Mayan children. For these reasons, he refused to assist the Spanish in their various invasions, and is rumored to have fought for the Mayans instead.

    The first attempt to conquer the land began in 1527, after the Spanish veteran Francisco de Montejo successfully petitioned for a campaign against Mesoamerica. Although he was at first greeted peacefully, he was soon attacked and driven out. After a drawn-out attempt to gain land, Montejo went to Mexico to gather a larger army.

    The second attempt was also led by Montejo, when the Spanish invaded in 1531. This time, some Mayan city-states pledged as his allies, including the port Campeche, where he set up a fortress. While besieged there by the locals, he sent his son to lead an attack against the city Chichen Itza. However, the attack failed and the Spanish soon withdrew from Mesoamerica yet again.

    The third and final attempt began in 1540, this time led by the young Montejo. The invasion was finally successful, and the Spanish were able to take control of a large area in Mesoamerica. Despite occasional revolts by the Mayan people, the battle was officially won in 1546, and Spanish rule continued unbroken.