The DSpanish began to rule over th Pueblo people in 1598. Despite there being as many as 80,000 Publo Indians, their independent rule, each town had its own rule, they could not counter the Spanish weapons and coordination. The Spanish rule was tyrannical, and they insisted that the Pueblo not practice their traditional ways. In 1675 Po'pay was one of 47 Pueblo people who were arrested for witchcraft for practicing their traditional ways. Three were executed, one committed suicide. He had the others beaten and they were set to be sold as slaves. 70 Pueblo warriors showed up at the governor's house and demanded their release. The governor complied fearing a revolt. He already was having problems with Apache and Navajo.
Po'pay had a dynamic personality and commanded respect. He retired to Taos where he began planning a revolt. In the past coordination was an issue. They decided on a particular day and had runners visit each community. They were not allowed horses. They used a rope with knots to count the days to th revolt. When the Spanish discovered their plans, they again sent runners to move the timing forward two days. In that way they maintained the element of surprise. With all the communities rising up together they were able to defeat the Spanish. This is the first time and indigenous people was able to throw off the yolk of a foreign overlord.
The revolt cost many livees on both sides. Many Catholic priests were killed. The Spanish were forced to go south. The Pueble were able to practice the traditions. The Pueblo and Spanish then became allies against the Navajo, Apache, Ute and Comanche. The priests allowed the practice of Pueblo ways as long as they showed the outward signs of practicing Catholicism.
There is a statue of Po'pay in the capitol rotunda in Washington. The statue shows Po'pay with a scarred back back from the beating and holding a knotted rope.
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