Tepanecs

The Tepanecs were a Mesoamerican ethnic group that inhabited the central highlands of Mexico during the Postclassic period, roughly from the 12th to the 16th century. They are known for their significant cultural and architectural achievements, particularly in the region of Tepanecan Mexico, which includes the modern-day states of Hidalgo, Tlaxcala, and parts of Mexico City.

The Tepanecs are believed to have originated from the Mixtec people of the Oaxaca Valley, who migrated northward around the 11th century. They established a powerful city-state centered around the ancient city of Tula, which was one of the largest and most populous cities in Mesoamerica during the Postclassic period. Tula was known for its impressive architecture, including the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, which are among the largest pyramids in the Americas.

The Tepanecs were skilled architects and engineers, and their city of Tula was a major center of trade and cultural exchange. They developed a complex social and political structure, with a ruling elite that maintained control over the population through a combination of military force and religious authority. The Tepanecs also had a sophisticated understanding of astronomy and mathematics, which is reflected in their architectural and ceremonial practices.

Despite their cultural achievements, the Tepanecs faced significant challenges in the 16th century, including the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire and the subsequent Spanish colonization of Mexico. The Tepanecs were eventually incorporated into the Spanish colonial system, and their cultural and political institutions were largely dismantled. However, their legacy continues to be felt in the modern-day states of Hidalgo and Tlaxcala, where their architectural and cultural influences can still be seen.