Zipacón facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Zipacón
Municipality and town
Central square and church
Flag Seal
Location of the municipality and town of Zipacón inside Cundinamarca Department of Colombia
Zipacón Location in Colombia
Country	Colombia
Department	Cundinamarca
Province	Western Savanna Province
Founded	5 July 1561
Founded by	José Antonio Rubio
Area
• Municipality and town	70 km2 (30 sq mi)
Elevation	2,550 m (8,370 ft)
Population  (2016)
• Municipality and town	5,570
• Density	80/km2 (206/sq mi)
• Urban	2,081
Time zone	UTC-5 (Colombia Standard Time)

Zipacón is a town and a municipality in Colombia. It is located in the Western Savanna Province, which is part of the Cundinamarca department. The main part of Zipacón sits high up, about 2,550 meters (8,366 feet) above sea level.

It is found on the Bogotá savanna, a flat area in the southern part of the Altiplano Cundiboyacense. This region is within the Eastern Ranges of the Colombian Andes mountains. Zipacón shares its borders with the towns of Anolaima, Facatativá, La Mesa, and Bojacá.

What's in a Name?

The name Zipacón comes from an old language called Muysccubun. This was the language spoken by the Muisca people. In their language, Zipacón means "crying of the zipa." The zipa was a very important leader of the Muisca people.

A Look Back: Zipacón's History

Ancient Times: The Muisca People

Long before the Spanish arrived, the Muisca lived in Zipacón. They were organized into a group called the Muisca Confederation. Zipacón was a special place for the zipa, their main leader, to meditate.

The area was also on the border with the Panche, who were often enemies of the Muisca. When the Spanish conquistadors were taking over the Bogotá savanna, the Panche invaded this area.

Early Agriculture and Art

Scientists have found very old evidence of farming in Zipacón. They discovered potatoes that were grown about 3,200 years ago! This shows that people lived and farmed here for a very long time, even during a period called the Herrera Period.

Rock art, which are drawings or paintings on rocks, has also been found in Zipacón. These artworks give us clues about the ancient people who lived here.

Modern Founding

The modern town of Zipacón was officially founded on July 5, 1561. It was established by a person named José Antonio Rubio.

What Zipacón Does: Economy

The main ways people make a living in Zipacón are through farming and raising animals. This means that agriculture and livestock farming are the most important economic activities in the area.

Gallery

See also

In Spanish: Zipacón para niños