These Native American people called the Mixtec lived in parts of Puebla, Guerrero, and Oaxaca Mexico.  Of all the groups living in Mexico, the Mixtec civilization is by far the most important.  The interesting thing is that while a number of publications exist about these people their actual origin is a little muddled.  Even so, historians believe they arrived prior to the Toltec on the central plateau around 700.

It also appears that the Mixtec were somehow influenced by the Olmec being carriers of advanced culture from the highlands.  Then around 900, the Mixtec civilization started to expand to the south.  Soon, they took over the entire Oaxaca valley.  Then by the 14^th century, the Mixtec overwhelmed the Zapotec, their rivals.

What we know about the Mixtec civilization is that they produced some of the most incredible stone and metalwork coming out of ancient Mexico.  Wood and bone carvings are among some of the finest relics found.  However, the Mixtec also created masterful polychrome pottery.  These people had a strong culture, which can be seen primarily in Monte Alban and Mitla.

Both Monte Alban and Mitla were taken over by the Mixtec people during some long, fierce battles.  However, toward the latter part of the 15^th century, the fighting paused while an alliance was created with the goal of defeating the Aztec.  However, the Zapotec actually connected with the Aztec, eventually making an alliance with Spanish conquerors.  Although Mixtec fought a hard, bloody battle, they were finally overcome under the leadership of Pedro de Alvarado, a Spanish conquistador.  Today, you can only find about 500,000 people in Mexico that still speak the native language.