ZAPOTEC CIVILIZATION OF MEXICO

 The indigenous people of Mexico who live in the south region of Oaxaca and on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec are called Zapotec Indians.  Although very little is known about their origin, we do know that the Zapotec civilization was quite unique in that unlike other natives of this country, they had no legends or traditions associated with migration.  However, these people believe that they were born from nature to include trees, rocks, and jaguars.

We know the early Zapotec civilization were sedentary.  In addition, they were agricultural, cliff dwelling people that worshiped a variety of gods, particularly the rain god known as Cosijo.  This god was represented by a fertility symbol, which was created by combining the sky serpent and earth jaguar symbols that are very common among cultures in Middle American.  We also know that the Zapotec people practiced human sacrifices. 

This civilization of Mexico also worshiped their own ancestors, believing strongly in a paradisiacal underworld or a cult of the dead.  The religious center for the Zapotecs was located at Mitla.  Then at Monte Alban, there was a developed civilization living some 2,000 years earlier.  By studying mathematics, the calendar, architecture, art, and hieroglyphics, historians believe the Zapotec people had cultural connections with the Olmec, ancient Maya, and then in later years, the Toltec.

The Mixtec replaced the Zapotec at Monte Alban.  Then, at Mitla, the Zapotec civilization captured Tehuantepec from Huavean and Zoquean.  During the mid-15^th century, the Mixtec and Zapotec people had a difficult time keeping the Aztec Indians from taking control of trade routes, specific to Guatemala and Chiapas.  Under the leadership of a magnificent king, Cosijoeza, this civilization was able to withstand a long battle by staying in the rocky region of Glengola, which overlooked Tehuantopec.

With this, the Zapotec people maintained political autonomy by keeping a close alliance with the Aztec until the Spanish arrived.  Today, we see the Zapotec people falling within one of two groups.  First, there is the group that lives in the south valleys of Oaxaca mountains.  The second groups are those of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.  As the two groups come together, we see numbers around 350,000.

These people live a beautiful life of customs, song, literature, and dress.  While the language and culture seen most is Spanish, you will find some elements of the Zapotec heritage, primarily in the area we know today as Juchitán.  The one thing everyone agrees on is the warmth and sincerity of these people who work hard, doing all they can to keep the Zapotec legend going.