Soconusco facts for kids
Soconusco is a special area in the southern part of the Mexican state of Chiapas. It shares a border with Guatemala to the southeast. To the east and north, it touches other Chiapas regions like Costa, Sierra, and Fraylesca. The Pacific Ocean is to its southwest. This region is known for its rich lowlands and hills. The most important city and economic hub in Soconusco is Tapachula.
The name "Soconusco" comes from an old word, xoconostle, which means the fruit of the prickly pear cactus. Long ago, under the Aztec empire, Soconusco was a very important trading area. People from this region traded valuable items like jaguar pelts (furs), cacao (used to make chocolate), and bright quetzal feathers. These goods were sent all the way to Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital, for the ruling classes.
Soconusco is also the main area in Chiapas where coffee is grown. You can find many coffee farms, called plantations, further inland in the foothills of the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains.
Contents
History of Soconusco
Ancient Times: Mokaya and Olmec
The Soconusco region has a very long history. It was home to some of the earliest complex societies in Mesoamerica. One of the first groups to live here were the Mokaya people. They settled in Soconusco around 1600 BC. The Mokaya were among the first people in Mesoamerica to make pottery. They also created small villages and lived in a more organized way than earlier groups.
Later, the Olmec people, who were known for their giant stone heads, also had an influence in Soconusco. They traded with the local people and shared their culture. This shows that Soconusco was an important place for different ancient groups to meet and exchange ideas.
Maya and Aztec Influence
Over time, the Maya civilization also became important in Soconusco. They built cities and developed their own unique culture. The Maya were famous for their writing system, their knowledge of astronomy, and their impressive temples.
Much later, the powerful Aztec Empire took control of Soconusco. This happened around the 15th century. The Aztecs made Soconusco a special province. It was one of the farthest places they controlled. The region was very important to the Aztecs because of its valuable resources. They collected tribute, which means payments, from the people of Soconusco. This tribute included items like cacao, jaguar skins, and quetzal feathers, which were highly prized by the Aztec rulers.
Spanish Arrival and Colonial Era
In the 16th century, the Spanish conquistadors arrived in Mexico. They quickly took over the Aztec Empire. Soconusco then became part of the Spanish colonial system. The Spanish were very interested in the region's rich land and resources, especially cacao.
During the colonial period, Soconusco was often a disputed territory. Both the Spanish colony of New Spain (which became Mexico) and the Captaincy General of Guatemala claimed it. This led to many arguments and changes in who governed the area.
Becoming Part of Mexico
After Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1821, Soconusco's status was still unclear. For a while, it was part of the Federal Republic of Central America. However, in 1842, Soconusco officially joined Mexico. It became a part of the state of Chiapas. This decision was important for the region's future and its connection to Mexico.
Economy and Resources
Agriculture: Coffee and More
Soconusco is a very important agricultural region for Mexico. Its rich soil and good climate make it perfect for growing many crops. The most famous crop is coffee. Many large coffee plantations are found in the hills of Soconusco. The coffee grown here is often high quality and is exported to other countries.
Besides coffee, other important crops include bananas, mangoes (especially the famous Ataulfo mango), and cacao. These crops provide jobs for many people in the region and are a big part of the local economy.
Trade and Industry
Tapachula is the economic center of Soconusco. It is a busy city with markets, businesses, and a port nearby called Puerto Chiapas. This port helps with trade, allowing goods from Soconusco to be shipped to other parts of Mexico and the world. The region's location near the border with Guatemala also makes it an important place for trade between the two countries.
Images for kids
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Sculpted stone cross made by indigenous hands from the Soconusco region. It is on display in the Regional Museum in Tuxtla Gutierrez.
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Colonial era lion sculpture from the region. You can see it at the Regional Museum of Anthropology and History of Chiapas.
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An 1853 Spanish map showing Mexico.
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Puerto Chiapas, an important port for the region.
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A beautiful mountain area near Huixtla in Soconusco.
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An Ataulfo mango, a famous fruit grown in Soconusco.
See also
In Spanish: Soconusco para niños
