Spanish weaponry and tactics differ greatly from…
February 1524 CE
Spanish weaponry and tactics differ greatly from that of the indigenous peoples of Guatemala.
This include the Spanish use of crossbows, firearms (including muskets and cannon), war dogs and war horses.
Among Mesoamerican peoples the capture of prisoners is a priority, while to the Spanish such taking of prisoners is a hindrance to outright victory.
The inhabitants of Guatemala, for all their sophistication, lack key elements of Old World technology, such as the use of iron and steel and functional wheels.
The use of steel swords is perhaps the greatest technological advantage held by the Spanish, although the deployment of cavalry helps them to rout indigenous armies on occasion The Spanish are sufficiently impressed by the quilted cotton armor of their Maya enemies that they soon adopt it in preference to their own steel armor.
The conquistadors apply a more effective military organization and strategic awareness than their opponents, allowing them to deploy troops and supplies in a way that increasesthe Spanish advantage.
Pedro de Alvarado and his army advance along the Pacific coast unopposed until they reach the Samalá River in western Guatemala.
This region forms a part of the K'iche' kingdom, and a K'iche' army tries unsuccessfully to prevent the Spanish from crossing the river.
Once across, the conquistadors ransack nearby settlements in an effort to terrorize the K'iche'.
On February 8, 1524, Alvarado's army fights a battle at Xetulul, called Zapotitlán by his Mexican allies (modern San Francisco Zapotitlán).
Although suffering many injuries inflicted by defending K'iche' archers, the Spanish and their allies storm the town and set up camp in the marketplace.
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