Tecun Uman

MedievalEmperorKiche1500 — 1524

Guatemalan Maya hero, declared national hero.

Compare Tecun Uman with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

1500

Died

1524

Country

Kiche

Era

Medieval

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)21

Political (20%)26

Influence (20%)55

Legacy (20%)48

Leadership (15%)31

Strategy (15%)40

Total Score40.3

Tecun Uman — Complete Timeline

1524 AD

Led K'iche' Resistance Against SpanishWar◆ Major

Tecun Uman commanded the K'iche' Maya army in battle against Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado in the Guatemalan highlands. He led thousands of warriors in an attempt to defend the K'iche' kingdom from Spanish invasion.

Spanish ConquestMaya ResistanceBattle

Impact: regional

Battle of El PinarWar

Tecun Uman fought in the Battle of El Pinar against Pedro de Alvarado's forces. The K'iche' were defeated due to Spanish cavalry and firearms. Tecun Uman was killed in the battle, according to Maya accounts, by Alvarado himself.

Spanish ConquestBattleDefeat

Impact: regionaltragic