The Nickname That Became Legend. The meaning behind the nickname that carried Don Emiliano Zapata into history is captured here in all its glory—in his eyes. He’s a leader, not a follower, and definitely not some basic, power-hungry guy. He’s rooted firmly in the land he stands on—the land that feeds the farmers, and in turn, feeds us. He never dreamed of the presidency; that’s why he refused to sit on the “eagle’s chair” at the National Palace on December 6, 1914, turning down Pancho Villa’s invitation to take the seat. The short span of his life, cut off because he dared to go up against the powerful who cling to government with the backing of the national elite, is symbolized by the insects around him. At 39, Zapata’s life was ended—gunned down by a bunch of traitors to the Mexican people.