Around the 7th century, along with the abandonment of Teotihuacán, Cholula was also abandoned. During the same period, Yohualichán, in the Sierra Norte de Puebla, flourished as a satellite city of El Tajín, belonging to the Totonac culture.

In the Epiclassic period, Cantona, located in the Sierra Madre Oriental, became one of the most important cities, rivaling El Tajín. By the 10th century, Cantona's decline began, and a century later, migrations of Nonoalca and Toltec Chichimecas arrived in the Puebla Valley, repopulating Cholula and turning it into one of the most important cities in Mesoamerica, naming it Tolla-Chollollan.

According to some scholars, the Nuttall Codex speaks of an alliance between Cholula and Lord Eight Deer, who dominated the Mixtec region in the 11th century. What is certain is that Cholula played an important role during the Postclassic Period. It was a significant ally of the Mexicas, which is why when the Spanish were on their way to the Valley of Mexico, Cholula became the scene of a massacre perpetrated by the conquistadors, as well as their allies, the Tlaxcaltecs and Zempoaltecs.

The lands where the city of Puebla now stands were never inhabited by any particular group; they constituted a border region between the dominions of Cholula, Tlaxcala, Cuautinchan, Totimehuacán, and Tepeaca, which engaged in constant conflicts among themselves.

Colonial Era

During the colonial period, slavery and encomienda (a system where indigenous people were "protected and evangelized") were established. The first was justified by considering the indigenous population as inferior, while the second aimed to protect them. Haciendas emerged, where sugarcane was cultivated for liquor production, along with wheat, barley, and corn.

Notable haciendas were those owned by the Society of Jesus (Amaluca, San Lorenzo, San Jerónimo de los Llanos), where Spaniards, Creoles, mestizos, indigenous people, and slaves worked.

The geographical position of Puebla, strategically located between the Valley of Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico coast, made it an important city both politically and commercially. This is corroborated by Juan de Salmerón. Puebla's growing importance led to the transfer of the Tlaxcala bishopric to this city.

However, a flood devastated the first foundation of Puebla on the banks of the San Francisco River, making it necessary to relocate to a safer site. In 1532, a decree was issued elevating Puebla to the status of a city, although the document did not reach the Angelópolis until 1533.

Unique art combining European and indigenous models developed in the city's constructions, highlighting the temples of Santo Domingo, the Society of Jesus, Santa María Tonanzintla, and the Rosary Chapel. Among the clergymen sent by the king, Bishop Juan de Palafox y Mendoza stood out. He aimed to consecrate the cathedral, whose construction had started 75 years earlier. He recommenced the necessary work and consecrated it on April 18, 1649. He also founded the Seminary of San Pedro and San Pablo, the Hospital of San Pedro, and one of his most significant cultural works: the Palafoxian Library, which houses valuable books for their content and antiquity.

War of Independence

At the start of the Mexican War of Independence, Puebla demonstrated loyalty to the Spanish government. The upper clergy in Puebla also supported the royalist cause. Bishop González del Campillo even accused Hidalgo of being part of a French conspiracy.

In 1811, after the execution of the first insurgent leaders, the incipient rebel movements strengthened, especially in the Sierra Norte, Izúcar, and Tehuacán.

As Independence battles intensified, the city of Puebla was hit by an epidemic, leading to the establishment of a hospital in the Loreto Fort.

By 1815, the municipality of Angelópolis pressed for the establishment of a Puebla delegation and a commercial consulate in the city, but it was suppressed by the Intendant Del Llano.

In 1821, with the provisional regulations of the First Mexican Empire, it was decided that the former intendencies of the viceroyalty should become provinces with the same territory they had during the colonial era. Before being approved by the Constituent Congress, Puebla adopted autonomous government as a free state on December 23, 1823.

Invasions and Reform

The 19th century was marked by various movements and wars. During the term of General Antonio López Santa Anna, the Mexican-American War broke out, leading to a nearly year-long siege of the city of Puebla. A few years later, in 1862, the French invaded, and on May 5, Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza defeated the French fleet considered the "most powerful army in the world" in the Loreto and Guadalupe Hills. Subsequently, the city was besieged by the French and fell in 1863; however, on April 2, 1867, General Porfirio Díaz definitively defeated the French, ending the empire of Maximilian of Habsburg.

In 1843, the city witnessed the establishment of its first six spinning and weaving factories. On September 16, 1869, the branch connecting the Apizaco station of the Mexican Railroad to the city of Puebla was inaugurated during the government of President Benito Juárez. Six years later, the Normal School for Teachers was founded. In 1907, a hydroelectric plant was installed in Necaxa.

Mexican Revolution

During the beginning of the Revolution, anti-Porfirian leaders emerged in Puebla, among them the Serdán Brothers: Aquiles, Carmen, and Máximo. They were among the first conspirators against the Porfirian government. They were betrayed, and upon the arrival of federal soldiers, they faced one of the saddest chapters in the Revolution when they became its first martyrs on November 18, 1910.

Modern Era

After the Revolution, Puebla has emerged as a prosperous and modern city. Thanks to its numerous colonial monuments, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987.