Mariano Matamoros
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Mariano Matamoros y Guridi (August 14, 1770 – February 3, 1814) was a Mexican liberal priest and insurgent, active during the Mexican War of Independence.
He was born in Mexico City in 1770, where he studied art and theology during his youth. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1796 and served in several churches around the city. During this time, he started to sympathize with the rebel cause and, for this reason, he was jailed by the Spanish authorities shortly after the war started. He managed to escape from prison and eventually joined the insurgent army of José María Morelos in 1811.
During the 1812 Siege of Cuautla, Morelos recognized Matamoros' ability in the battlefield and promoted him to the rank of Lieutenant General, effectively becoming his right hand. Once the siege was lifted, the campaign continued in Oaxaca and Chiapas, where he achieved several victories over the Spanish army.
On December 23, 1813, Matamoros was captured during the Battle of Valladolid near Valladolid (today Morelia, Michoacán). Allegedly Morelos offered 200 Spanish prisoners in exchange for Matamoros, but was turned down by the Spanish authorities. Matamoros was removed from the priesthood and tried for treason. He was executed by firing squad in Valladolid on February 3, 1814.
In 1823, Matamoros was honored as Benemérito de la Patria. His remains now rest in the Independence Column of Mexico City.
The Cuernavaca International Airport in Cuernavaca, Morelos is named after him, as well as the cities of Izúcar de Matamoros and Matamoros, Tamaulipas.
