Battle of San Mateo (1814)

The Battle of San Mateo (1814) was a military engagement that took place during the Venezuelan War of Independence. It was fought between the forces of the Venezuelan Second Republic, led by General Santiago Mariño, and the Spanish Royalist forces under the command of Brigadier General José Ceballos. The battle occurred near the town of San Mateo, located in present-day Aragua state, Venezuela.

Mariño's forces, having advanced from eastern Venezuela, sought to consolidate Republican control over the central region of the country. Ceballos, leading a substantial Royalist army, aimed to prevent this and maintain Spanish authority.

The battle itself was fiercely contested. Despite initial Republican successes, the Royalists ultimately prevailed. Ceballos' troops, better equipped and perhaps better disciplined, managed to overcome Mariño's forces after a prolonged and bloody struggle.

The defeat at San Mateo was a significant setback for the Venezuelan Second Republic. It weakened their position in the central region and contributed to the eventual collapse of the Republic later in 1814. The battle resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, further exacerbating the already brutal conflict. While a tactical victory for the Royalists, the ongoing resistance demonstrated the deep divisions and enduring struggle for independence in Venezuela. The engagement highlighted the challenges faced by the Patriots in securing and maintaining control of territory against a determined and well-supplied Royalist army.