Cosijoeza facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cosijoeza
|
|
|---|---|
A detail from a mural by Diego Rivera showing a Zapotec king, possibly Cosijoeza.
|
|
| 4th Coquitao of Kingdom of Zaachila | |
| In office 1487–1504 |
|
| Preceded by | Zaachila III |
| Succeeded by | Cosijopii |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1450 Zaachila, Kingdom of Zaachila |
| Children |
|
Cosijoeza (also spelled Cocijoeza or Cosiioeza) was a powerful king, known as a Coquitao, of the Zapotec kingdom of Zaachila. His name in Zapotec means "Storm of obsidian knives." The Aztecs called him Huizquiauitl. He became king in 1487. During his rule, he faced the growing power of the Aztec Empire. He also ordered the building of the important city of Guiengola.
The Importance of Zaachila
The kingdom of Zaachila was very important because of its location. It acted like a bridge between the highlands of central Mexico and the Mayan lands. These lands are now parts of Chiapas and Guatemala.
Zaachila was also known for its valuable resources. It produced a lot of salt from the coast. People there were skilled at making gold items. They also produced grana cochineal, a special dye. These valuable goods made Zaachila a target for the ambitious Aztecs.
Facing the Aztecs
The Aztecs were expanding their empire. They saw Zaachila as a kingdom they wanted to control. In 1494, King Cosijoeza became worried about Aztec spies in his territory. He took action against those he suspected.
The Aztec ruler, Ahuitzotl, used this as a reason to start a war. In 1497, the war between the Aztecs and the Zapotecs began. The Aztec army first attacked and destroyed the city of Huaxyacac. Then, they moved on to Mitla. The fighting spread across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. It even reached a place called Soconusco.
To fight back, Cosijoeza formed an alliance with the Mixtec king, Dzahuindanda. Dzahuindanda agreed to help. He sent 24,000 warriors to join Zaachila's army of 36,000. Together, these allied forces managed to push the Aztecs out of their lands.
A Peace Treaty
In 1497, Ahuitzotl attacked the Zapotec and Mixtec kingdoms again. He sent his main general, Tlacatecat, to attack Guiengola. Guiengola was a strong fortress. The Aztecs tried to capture the city for seven months.
After this long siege, Ahuitzotl offered a peace treaty to Cosijoeza. As part of the agreement, Ahuitzotl offered his daughter, Princess Xilabela, to marry Cosijoeza. Cosijoeza accepted this offer.
From this marriage, two children were born: Prince Cosiiopii II and Princess Pinopiaa. This marriage helped bring peace between the two powerful groups.
His Legacy
Cosijoeza died in 1504. He was buried in the city of Zaachila. This city was the capital of his kingdom. It was a traditional burial place for Zapotec rulers.
See also
In Spanish: Cocijoeza para niños
