History of Guadalajara
History of Mérida
History of Oaxaca
Northern Mexico
Central Mexico
Southern Mexico
History of Guadalajara
History of Mérida
History of Oaxaca
Northern Mexico
Central Mexico
Southern Mexico
ANCIENT CITY OF THÓ
Pre-Hispanic Era
Mérida was founded on the site of the city of Ichcaanzihó, also known as Thó. This indigenous settlement, at the beginning of its conquest, was occupied by around a thousand inhabitants and about 200 houses surrounding three main squares.
Both the pre-Hispanic and colonial settlements shared an orthogonal layout. The pre-Hispanic layout, corresponding to the Maya Postclassic period, consisted of large plazas surrounded by platforms and pyramid bases of temples and palaces. From the ceremonial center of Thó, four avenues extended towards the four cardinal points, connecting with neighboring chiefdoms and villages.
Colonial Era
In March 1517, the expedition led by Don Francisco Hernández de Córdova landed at Cabo Catoche, marking the discovery of what we now know as the Yucatán Peninsula. By December 18, 1526, a mere nine years after the discovery of the Yucatán territory, the capitulation of the conquest of Yucatán was signed in Granada, Spain, appointing Francisco de Montejo as Adelantado of Yucatán.
History of Mérida
During the third expedition to conquer these lands, on January 6, 1547, Francisco de Montejo el Mozo founded the city of Mérida, bearing the same name as the Andalusian Spanish city.
From this square, the four main streets of the city extended, structured into 20 blocks designated for civil and ecclesiastical authorities, and the subsequent blocks were divided into four lots for conquistadors and settlers.
In its origins, the Yucatán territory depended on and was regulated through the Audiencia de los Confines, located in what is now Guatemala. However, on January 9, 1560, a Royal Decree was issued, placing Yucatán under the complete jurisdiction of the Audiencia de México.
19th century
On July 30, 1847, one of the most significant conflicts in the history of this region began, known as the "Caste War," which involved the rebellion of the Maya indigenous people against mestizo and "white" families.
One of the most influential factors in Yucatán's history is the henequen plant, also known as sisal (named after the Yucatecan city of Sisal, where shipments were dispatched to the continent). This plant became the "green gold" due to the wealth it brought to the hacienda owners in the area.
Modern Era
Despite the uncontrolled growth of the city in recent years, the historic center continues to exert a unique attraction, not only for the services it concentrates but also for the weight of its cultural tradition and historical monuments.
Mérida reflects its ancestral heritage and combines it with growing modernity, making it a unique place where one can enjoy every corner.
WHITE CITY EMBRACED BY THE MAYA WORLD
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