Recent archaeological discoveries in Arizona have unveiled a significant piece of history, leading experts to believe that they have found the oldest firearms ever located in the continental United States. Two bronze cannons, abandoned by a Spanish expeditionary force after a fierce encounter with Native Americans in the 16th century, were unearthed during an excavation that has drawn the attention of researchers and historians alike. These findings not only offer insight into early colonial military tactics but also showcase the tenacity and warfare capabilities of Native American tribes during this tumultuous period of American history.
Independent researcher Deni Seymour led the discovery of the 42-inch-long (107 centimeters) cannons, colloquially known as wall guns. They were part of an expedition led by the infamous Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, who traversed from present-day Mexico into the American Southwest between 1539 and 1542. The significance of these cannons is magnified when one considers that they represent the Spanish presence in North America during a time when conflict with Indigenous peoples was prevalent. In an article published last month in the International Journal of Historical Archaeology, Seymour meticulously detailed the initial find of one cannon, which was retrieved in 2020 from the debris of a stone and adobe structure. This building was part of a small settlement established by Spanish colonizers but was abandoned following the brutal battle in 1541.
A series of prior archaeological findings, which included various artifacts and insightful analysis of charcoal remnants alongside a shard of pottery, are instrumental in establishing a correlation between this particular site—designated by archaeologists as San Geronimo III—and the Coronado expedition. This convergence of materials aligns the historical narrative and serves to deepen our understanding of the past.
Seymour remarks, “This cannon and the battle that occurred around it are significant because they represent the earliest successful Native American uprising in the continental US, as the Spaniards did not return for another 150 years, instead retreating back to modern-day Mexico.” So, what does this mean for our perception of these early Indigenous people? Contrary to the commonly held notion of them as passive victims during the colonial period, new evidence portrays them as formidable adversaries willing to defend their territories. She vividly describes the scene during the conflict, indicating how these cannons, though lethal, were impractical due to the time-consuming loading process required, making them of little use during an ambush.
Exploration of the first cannon indicated that it was never fired. This critical piece of evidence suggests that the occupants were taken unawares and did not have the necessary preparations to respond effectively to their attackers. Seymour elaborates, indicating that the Spanish defenders likely found themselves trapped and engaged in life-or-death hand-to-hand combat, which would have further complicated their access to the cannons. “They were probably overwhelmed and likely were engaged in hand-to-hand combat from their bedsides. It required considerable time to load and fire the cannon, akin to the matchlock guns of that era,” opines Seymour.
The second cannon was uncovered directly on the battlefield and bore the marks of having been fired by Spanish forces, implying a more organized attempt at defense in that particular area, according to Seymour’s analysis. “I suspect that the location from which that cannon was fired saw comparatively less overwhelming force from the attackers,” she stated thoughtfully.
The revelations provided by these archaeological finds extend beyond mere weaponry. They shine light on the O’odham Native Americans, who inhabited the regions of present-day Arizona and northern Sonora, Mexico. Seymour reflects on how these findings challenge the previously held belief that the O’odham were peaceful during the existential threat of European expansion into their territories. “This evidence suggests that they were exceptional warriors who stood up for their land at a critical moment, even prior to other Indigenous groups in the region,” she concluded.
The future of this archaeological endeavor looks promising for Seymour, who hopes to trace the remnants of Coronado’s journey further, documenting the twelve known sites along the Arizona section of the expedition route. As more evidence comes to light, it portrays a richer, more nuanced story of early encounters between European settlers and Native American tribes—a narrative that deserves recognition in understanding America’s complex past.
Fonte: CNN
