Before the Spanish conquest Chicoloapan thrived. It was a bustling center of activity a place where ancient traditions met daily life. Chicoloapan existed long before the rise of Teotihuacan. This is the heart of a story spanning millennia.
Imagine Chicoloapan in its prime. A vibrant Mesoamerican city. Its people lived and prospered for generations even after the mighty Teotihuacan fell. Archaeological evidence proves this. Settlements here predate Teotihuacan going back to around 200 BCE. The Chicoloapan site offers unique insight into the relationship between ancient cities and the surrounding areas. Its long history speaks volumes.
Chicoloapan de Juarez is today the largest town in the municipality of Chicoloapan. It’s located in the eastern part of the State of Mexico. It’s a short distance from Chimalhuacan and northeast of Mexico City. It’s part of the vast Greater Mexico City urban area. Over 99 percent of the municipality’s inhabitants live in Chicoloapan itself. The 2005 census counted over 168000 people. The municipality is relatively small covering only 60.89 square kilometers.
The name Chicoloapan itself has deep roots. It’s believed to come from Nahuatl. One interpretation suggests it means “place where the water twists”. Another links it to “water where chichicuilotes live”. The chichicuilotes are birds once abundant in the area. The “Juarez” addition honors Benito Juarez a key figure in Mexican history.
Chicoloapan has a rich history. It was founded by the Acolhuas around 1149 BCE. Chichimeca was the initial language before Nahuatl took hold. The city felt the influence of several cultures including Teotihuacan Toltec and Mexica. For roughly 300 years it was under Acolhua Chichimeca rule. The first governor was Apaxli Chichimecatl whose descendants governed for another 200 years. Then Chicoloapan was divided into three distinct towns.
Before Cortes arrived conflict plagued Chicoloapan. This led its inhabitants to align with the Spanish troops. This unusual alliance provided the Spanish with invaluable cavalry support. Later the Franciscans Dominicans and Jesuits played a key role in evangelization. The Jesuits are credited with naming the town San Vicente which predates the name Chicoloapan.
In 1822 Chicoloapan officially became a free municipality. In 1885 it received its current name Villa de Chicoloapan de Juarez. The town’s history is full of dramatic events. Discoveries include lithic remains dating back 15000 years. A child’s skull over 13000 years old was unearthed. It now rests in the National Museum of Anthropology and History in Mexico City. A yet-unexplored archaeological zone lies on Cerro del Portezuelo. Looting and destruction unfortunately damaged this site. A 17th-century Catholic temple still stands as a testament to time.
Chicoloapan’s story continues. It’s a place where the past and present intertwine. The ancient city still whispers stories. They are waiting to be heard by those who listen closely. Its vibrant community spirit remains strong. The future of Chicoloapan is as bright as its ancient past.