Acatlán de Osorio facts for kids

Acatlán de Osorio is a city in the Mexican state of Puebla. People often call it just Acatlán. This name refers to both the city and the larger area around it, called a municipality, where the city is the main center. Acatlán is located high up, about 1,213 meters (3,981 feet) above sea level. In the year 2000, about 34,765 people lived in the city.

What Does the Name Acatlán Mean?

The name "Acatlán" comes from two words in the ancient Nahuatl language. The first part, acatl, means "cane" or "reed". The second part, tlan, means "together" or "close". So, "Acatlán" might mean "place of reeds". The second part of the name, Osorio, was added to honor a person named Don Joaquín Osorio.

A Look Back at Acatlán's History

Before the Spanish arrived, the Mixtec people lived in this area. They called this place Yucuyuxi. Acatlán was once the capital of a small state. This state had to pay tributes, like goods or services, to the powerful Aztec Empire.

Later, when the Spanish took control, this region became part of what they called New Spain. Acatlán was an important administrative center. It was the main town for a large area known as the alcaldía mayor of Acatlán y Piastla.

The modern city of Acatlán was officially started on January 6, 1712. It was built on the remains of an older town. That town had been destroyed by a big earthquake in 1711. Acatlán grew over time and was given the special status of a city on April 3, 1883.

See Also

In Spanish: Acatlán de Osorio para niños