Tarascans

The Tarascans, also known as the Purépecha, were an indigenous civilization that flourished in Mesoamerica, primarily in the region of modern-day Michoacán, Mexico. Their empire reached its peak in the Postclassic period, from roughly 1200 to 1521 CE. The Tarascan state was characterized by its centralized political structure, with a powerful ruler known as the Cazonci. They were renowned for their advanced metallurgy, particularly in the working of copper and gold, producing exquisite jewelry, tools, and weapons.

Their society was organized into distinct social classes, and they developed a sophisticated agricultural system, utilizing lake resources and advanced irrigation techniques. The Tarascan language, Purépecha, is unique and unrelated to the Nahuatl language spoken by the Aztecs, with whom they often had a complex and sometimes antagonistic relationship. Despite being a formidable power, the Tarascan Empire was eventually conquered by the Spanish in the 16th century, though their cultural legacy continues to influence the region.