A Republic Surrounded
By 1519, the Republic of Tlaxcala was an independent enclave completely encircled by the vast Aztec Empire. For over a century, the Tlaxcalans had resisted Aztec domination, maintaining their own form of government which differed from the monarchical system of their neighbors. Tlaxcala was a confederation of four city-states, known as altepetl: Tepeticpac, Ocotelulco, Tizatlan, and Quiahuiztlan. This confederation was governed by a council, or senate, of lords representing each state, creating a merit-based political system rather than a hereditary monarchy.
This fierce independence came at a cost. The Aztecs subjected Tlaxcala to an economic blockade, cutting off access to important goods like salt and cotton. The two powers were in an almost constant state of conflict, engaging in so-called "Flower Wars" (Xochiyaoyotl). These ritualized battles were not for outright conquest but were intended to capture warriors for religious sacrifices, ensuring a state of perpetual, low-level warfare between the rival powers. This long-standing animosity and isolation led to a dramatic shift in the region's power dynamics with the arrival of Europeans.
The Alliance that Toppled an Empire
When Hernán Cortés and his expedition arrived in 1519, their first encounter with the Tlaxcalans was violent. Tlaxcalan forces, commanded by Xicotencatl the Younger, fought the Spanish fiercely in several battles. However, the Tlaxcalan senate, recognizing the potential of a powerful new ally against their traditional Aztec enemies, ultimately decided to negotiate. This decision led to one of the most significant military alliances in history.
The Tlaxcalans became the principal indigenous allies of the Spanish. They provided the bulk of the military force that marched on the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan. Estimates of the number of Tlaxcalan warriors range from tens of thousands to over 100,000, dwarfing the few hundred Spanish soldiers. This combined army, after a brutal 75-day siege, captured Tenochtitlan on August 13, 1521. In recognition of their indispensable role, the Spanish Crown granted Tlaxcala unique privileges. The republic was allowed to maintain a high degree of political autonomy, its nobility was recognized, and its people were exempted from the tributes and taxes imposed on other conquered peoples. This special status allowed Tlaxcala to preserve its identity and continue as a self-governing "Indian republic" well into the colonial period.