Tabscoob

Tabscoob was a halach uinik (Maya ruler) of the Potonchán jurisdiction, known for leading the Chontal Maya in the Battle of Centla against Spanish forces led by Hernán Cortés on March 14, 1519.

Tabscoob's administration maintained commercial ties with the Mexicas and other Maya jurisdictions, especially with the jurisdiction of Chakán Putum, who—after having contact with the expeditions of Francisco Hernández de Córdoba and Juan de Grijalva—warned the Chontal to take precautions. On June 8, 1518, Juan de Grijalva landed in the province of Potonchán and met Tabscoob to whom, it is said, Grijalva gave his green velvet doublet.

Between Potonchán and the island of Tris was a Nahuatl town called Xicalango, which was a major port on the Gulf of Mexico, but being different from the Maya race, had constant friction with Potonchán since the xicalangos frequently crossed territory within the province of Tabasco. This led to a war in the year 1513 in which Tabscoob led an army of 20,000 men and defeated the xicalangos.

It was the custom among the natives that the defeated make various gifts to the victors. Thus, the chief Tabscoob received a large number of slaves including Malintzin, famously known as "La Malinche."

On June 8, 1518, the Spaniard Juan de Grijalva landed at Potonchán. With the help of Maya interpreters, he began to engage in a friendly dialogue with the natives, as well as flattering them with gifts. Grijalva asked if they would call their boss to meet and confer with him. Thus, in time, Chief Tabscoob appeared with his nobles, greeting the Spanish captain. During the talk, both figures exchanged gifts: to Grijalva, Tabscoob presented gold plates in the form of armor and some feathers; whereas Grijalva gave the Maya chief his green velvet doublet.

Tabscoob told Grijalva of a place called Culua that was "toward where the sun set..." there was much more of that material. Grijalva in turn, spoke with the Maya chief with courtesy, admitting that he came in the name of a great lord named Charles V, who was very good, and he wanted to have them as vassals. Tabscoob responded that they lived happily as they were, and that they needed no other lord, and that if Grijalva wanted to preserve his friendship with Tabscoob, the Spanish expedition should leave. Grijalva, after stocking water and provisions, embarked on his way to Culua (modern-day San Juan de Ulúa).

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