Who were the Tlaxcalans?

The Tlaxcalans were an indigenous people in what is now central Mexico, known for their fierce resistance against the Aztec Empire. They inhabited the region of Tlaxcala and were key allies to Hernán Cortés during the Spanish Conquest of the Aztec Empire in the early 16th century. Their military prowess and strategic alliances played a crucial role in the downfall of the Aztecs, as they provided essential support to the Spanish forces. The Tlaxcalans maintained a distinct cultural identity and were granted certain privileges under Spanish rule following the conquest.