Coixtlahuaca facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Coixtlahuaca Nguichee Yodzocoo Coaixtlahuacan
1080–1490
Capital	Coixtlahuaca
Common languages	Chocho Mixtec Nahuatl
Religion	Mesoamerican
Government	Monarchy
History
• Established	1080
• Incorporated into the Aztec Empire	1490
Succeeded by Aztec Empire

Atonal's death and the conquest of Coixtlahuaca, shown in the Aztec Codex Mendoza.

The Dominican Convent in San Juan Bautista Coixtlahuaca, Oaxaca.

Coixtlahuaca was an important ancient state in Mesoamerica. It existed before Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas. This state was located in a region called the Mixteca Alta, which is now part of Oaxaca, Mexico.

The name Coixtlahuaca means "plain of snakes." It was a place where different groups of people lived together. These included the Chochos and the Mixtecs. They spoke their own languages, Chocho and Mixtec. But Nahuatl was also used as a common language for everyone to communicate. Coixtlahuaca also had power over the Cuicatecans, another group of people.

The Rise of Coixtlahuaca

Coixtlahuaca became a strong state around the year 1080. It was a monarchy, meaning it was ruled by a king or queen. The capital city was also named Coixtlahuaca. This city was a center for trade and culture in the region.

The people of Coixtlahuaca followed Mesoamerican religions. These religions often involved many gods and goddesses. They built temples and held ceremonies to honor their deities.

Conquest by the Aztecs

In the 15th century, the powerful Aztec Empire began to expand. The Aztecs were led by their emperor, Moctezuma I. They set their sights on Coixtlahuaca. Around the year 1490, the Aztecs conquered Coixtlahuaca. This meant Coixtlahuaca became part of the large Aztec Empire.

The Aztecs often allowed conquered states to keep some local rulers. However, these states had to pay tribute to the Aztec Empire. This tribute could be goods, food, or even people.

Arrival of the Spanish

Years later, in the early 16th century, the Spanish arrived in Mexico. In September 1520, envoys from Coixtlahuaca met with Hernán Cortés. Cortés was the Spanish conqueror. The people of Coixtlahuaca surrendered to the Spanish.

After the Spanish conquest, Coixtlahuaca was no longer an independent state. It became part of New Spain. This was the name for the Spanish colony in Mexico. Coixtlahuaca was then organized as a municipality. Today, it is known as San Juan Bautista Coixtlahuaca.

See also

• In Spanish: Coixtlahuaca para niños