Bencomo

Bencomo was a Guanche mencey (king) of Taoro, one of the nine kingdoms (menceyatos) of Tenerife, Canary Islands, prior to the Spanish conquest in the late 15th century.

Bencomo is considered one of the most important figures in the resistance against the invading Spanish forces led by Alonso Fernández de Lugo. His menceyato, Taoro, was the largest and most powerful on the island, encompassing the fertile Orotava Valley. He was a strong and charismatic leader, and he united several of the other menceyatos in a military alliance against the Spanish.

The most significant battle led by Bencomo was the First Battle of Acentejo in 1494, which resulted in a major defeat for the Spanish. However, Bencomo was killed in the Battle of Aguere in 1496, a major turning point that ultimately led to the Spanish conquest of Tenerife. Despite his death, he remains a symbol of Guanche resistance and Canarian identity.

His legacy is celebrated in modern-day Tenerife through place names, cultural events, and historical reenactments.