 At the time of the Spanish Conquest , the main Mam population was situated in Xinabahul ( also spelled Chinabjul ) , now the city of Huehuetenango . They retreated to Zaculeu as a refuge during the Spanish attacks because of its fortifications . The refuge was attacked by Gonzalo de Alvarado y Contreras , brother of conquistador Pedro de Alvarado , in 1525 , with 120 soldiers , and some 2 @,@ 000 Mexican and K 'iche ' allies . The city was defended by Kayb 'il B 'alam commanding some 5 @,@ 000 people ( the chronicles are not clear if this is the number of soldiers or the total population of Zaculeu ) . 
