Cosijopii I facts for kids
Cosijopii I (born December 30, 1502 – died 1563) was the last ruler of the Kingdom of Zaachila. This kingdom was also known as Teotzapotlan by the Aztecs. It was located in what is now the western part of the Mexican state of Oaxaca. During its final years, the kingdom reached the Pacific coast of modern-day Chiapas and Guatemala. The Zaachila Kingdom eventually fell after the Spanish arrived and took control.
Cosijopii was the son of Cosijoeza, who was a Zapotec king. His mother was Coyolicaltzin, the daughter of an Aztec leader called a tlatoani, Ahuízotl. Cosijopii had several siblings: Bitoopa, Natipa, Pinopia, Cosijopi, and Donají.
Becoming King
Taking the Throne
Cosijopii became king in 1529. He took over after his father, Cosijoeza. At some point in the mid-1500s, Cosijopii moved his capital city. He moved it from Zaachila to Guiengola.
An Important Alliance
Cosijopii's sister, Donají Sicasibí, was taken by the Mixtecos people. They took her to Tehuantepec. Cosijopii then formed an alliance with the Spanish. The Spanish forces were led by Pedro de Alvarado. Together, Cosijopii and the Spanish fought against the Mixtecos.
A New Faith
After this, Cosijopii I decided to become a Christian. He was baptized and given a new name: Juan Cortés Sicasibí.
Building for the Future
Between 1543 and 1555, Don Juan Cortés Sicasibí built an important building. He built the Convent of Santo Domingo in Tehuantepec. This was a religious building for the Catholic faith.
