Tlazazalca facts for kids

Tlazazalca is a small town located in the northern part of Michoacan, Mexico. This area was first settled by ancient Nahua tribes way back in the early 14th Century.

History of Tlazazalca

The town of Tlazazalca was officially started in 1545. A Franciscan priest named John of Saint Michael (Juan de San Miguel in Spanish) helped establish it. He came with the army of Nuño de Guzman when they arrived and took control of the region. After the Spanish arrived, Franciscan priests began to baptize the local Native Purepecha people.

Besides the main town, the Spanish also created something called an "Indian Republic" (or "Republica de Indios"). This was a special area within Tlazazalca's control. Its purpose was to directly govern the Native populations who were now under Spanish rule.

The town and the areas around it were managed by the Parish of Saint Mark the Archangel. This name was chosen to honor the town's founder, John of Saint Michael. For a short time, Tlazazalca was an important governing center in Michoacan. However, it later became less central and was overseen by larger cities like Zamora and Valladolid (which is now called Morelia).

See also

In Spanish: Tlazazalca para niños