ALTAMIRANO, Ignacio M. (al-tah-me-rah'-no), Mexican jurist, born of pure Indian parentage, in the state of Guerrero. He studied law under the protection of a Spanish gentleman, was graduated with distinction, devoted himself to politics, and soon became noted for his brilliant and fiery oratory against his opponents of the conservative party, he belonging to the extreme radical faction. During the French invasion and the empire of Maximilian, Altamirano fought bravely against the foreign troops, but at the end of the war he retired from the army. Since that time he has filled with success many high offices in different departments, and has been a member of the congress several times. He is considered the first of Mexican orators, and a great Oriental, Greek, German, English, French, and Italian scholar. He has published much, both in prose and verse.