Tlatelolco: History and Major Facts about the Pre-Columbian City-State
Tlatelolco, also known as Mexico-Tlatelolco, was a significant pre-Columbian city-state, or altepetl, situated in the Valley of Mexico. Its inhabitants, the Tlatelolca, were part of the larger Mexica group, a Nahuatl-speaking people who migrated to central Mexico during the 13th century. The Mexica initially settled on an island within Lake Texcoco, where they established the altepetl of Mexico-Tenochtitlan on the southern portion of the island. In 1337, a faction of Mexica dissatisfied with the Tenochca leadership broke away to form Mexico-Tlatelolco on the northern portion of the island. Tlatelolco became closely linked with Tenochtitlan, with its market serving as a vital commercial hub for the region.
Ruins of the main temple of Tlatelolco.
Foundation and Early History
The Tlatelolca declared independence from Tenochtitlan in 1337, a mere thirteen years after Tenochtitlan’s foundation, inaugurating their first tlatoani, or dynastic ruler. Under the leadership of Quaquapitzahuac (1376–1417), Tlatelolco experienced significant architectural development, with the construction of the first two stages of its Main Pyramid. During Tlacateotl’s reign (1417–1428), the city aligned with Tenochtitlan to combat the Tepanec empire, dominated by Azcapotzalco, but later engaged in conflict with its sister city. Tlacateotl’s period also witnessed the addition of the third stage to the Main Pyramid.
Under Quauhtlatoa (1428–1460), Tlatelolco expanded its influence by conquering Ahuilizapan (present-day Orizaba) and waging war against Chalco in cooperation with Tenochtitlan. This era saw the construction of the fourth and fifth stages of the Main Pyramid. The last independent ruler, Moquihuix (1460–1473), completed the sixth stage of the pyramid but faced defeat at the hands of the Tenochca tlatoani Axayacatl in the 1473 Battle of Tlatelolco. This loss marked Tlatelolco’s subjugation to Tenochtitlan, effectively integrating it into the latter’s political and economic systems.
The Marketplace of Tlatelolco
Tlatelolco’s marketplace was renowned as the largest and most organized in Mesoamerica. Chroniclers like Bernal Díaz del Castillo marveled at its scale and structure. In his Historia verdadera de la conquista de la Nueva España, Díaz del Castillo described the orderly commerce and the vast array of goods available, expressing astonishment at the thriving economic activity. Hernán Cortés also noted that 60,000 merchants and buyers gathered daily at the marketplace, underscoring its central role in the region’s economy.
The marketplace offered a diverse range of products, including foodstuffs, textiles, ceramics, and luxury items such as jade and feathers. It also served as a focal point for cultural exchange, enabling the dissemination of goods and ideas across the Valley of Mexico and beyond.
Spanish Conquest and its Impact
During the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire (1519–1521), Tlatelolco played a pivotal role. As Cortés laid siege to Tenochtitlan, the Mexica retreated to Tlatelolco, where they mounted a final resistance. Despite achieving some tactical victories, the Mexica ultimately succumbed to Spanish forces, marking the collapse of both Tenochtitlan and Tlatelolco. The Spanish conquerors established Mexico-Tenochtitlan as the capital of New Spain, integrating the remnants of the indigenous population into colonial society.
Tlatelolco was reorganized as the Indian town of Santiago Tlatelolco, governed by indigenous elites under Spanish oversight. The Tlatelolca, who had long resented Tenochca dominance, adapted to the new colonial order more readily than their neighbors. Their willingness to align with the Spanish against the Mexica highlights longstanding internal divisions within the region.
The Colegio de Santa Cruz de Tlatelolco
In the colonial era, Tlatelolco retained cultural significance through the establishment of the Colegio de Santa Cruz de Tlatelolco. Founded under the auspices of the Spanish Crown, the Catholic Church, and the Franciscan Order, this institution became the first higher education facility in the Americas. The colegio was dedicated to educating elite indigenous men, primarily to train them as translators, interpreters, and cultural intermediaries in the colonial administration.
Admission to the colegio was selective, with candidates required to be of noble birth and free from any perceived moral or social blemishes. The institution produced notable scholars, including contributors to the Florentine Codex, an extensive ethnographic account of Nahua culture and history compiled under the supervision of Fray Bernardino de Sahagún. The remains of the Colegio de Santa Cruz de Tlatelolco are preserved within modern Mexico City, reflecting its historical and academic legacy.
Tlatelolco and church of Santiago Tlatelolco.
Archeological Discoveries
Tlatelolco’s rich history has been unearthed through extensive archaeological excavations, particularly in the Plaza de las Tres Culturas in Mexico City. This site juxtaposes Aztec ruins with a 17th-century church, the Templo de Santiago, and a modern office complex, symbolizing the continuity and transformation of the area over centuries.
As part of modern Mexico City, Tlatelolco represents a convergence of pre-Columbian, colonial, and contemporary histories, symbolized by the Plaza de las Tres Culturas.
Excavations have revealed significant artifacts and structures, shedding light on Tlatelolco’s urban planning, religious practices, and daily life. In 2009, archaeologists discovered a mass grave containing 49 human bodies arranged in a ritualistic manner, providing insight into the city’s burial customs and the impact of conquest and colonization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aerial view of the Tlatelolco.
Why was Tlatelolco significant?
Tlatelolco was home to the largest marketplace in the region, serving as a critical economic hub for trade and cultural exchange. It also played a key role in the Mexica’s political and military history.
What were the key architectural achievements of Tlatelolco?
The Main Pyramid of Tlatelolco was constructed in multiple stages under different rulers, reflecting the city’s growth and religious importance.
How did Tlatelolco become subject to Tenochtitlan?
In 1473, Tlatelolco was defeated by Tenochtitlan in the Battle of Tlatelolco, leading to its subjugation and integration into the larger city-state’s dominion.
What role did Tlatelolco play in the Spanish Conquest?
Tlatelolco served as the final stronghold of Mexica resistance during the Spanish siege. Its fall marked the end of the Aztec Empire in 1521.
What was the Colegio de Santa Cruz de Tlatelolco?
This was the first higher education institution in the Americas, founded in the colonial period to train elite indigenous men as translators and cultural intermediaries.
What are some key archaeological discoveries in Tlatelolco?
Excavations at the Plaza de las Tres Culturas revealed Aztec ruins, colonial structures, and a mass grave from the conquest period, highlighting Tlatelolco’s layered history.
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