Tecpán Guatemala, Chimaltenango, Guatemala — Central America
Mayan Civilization in the Post Classic Period
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, July 3, 2016
1. The Post Classic, the Major Period of Development
of the K'iche, Kaqchikel and Tzutuhil Nations in the Highlands Marker in Spanish.
El marcador es un conjunto de tres paneles informativos en español y sus respectivas versiones en kaqchikel.
El Posclásico. Período de Mayor Desarrollo de las Naciones K’iche, Kaqchikel y Tzutuhil en las Tierras Altas
El período posclásico se extiende del año 1000 hasta la conquista en 1524. En las Tierras Altas, el Posclásico es un período de influencias y migraciones, del nacimiento y de la expansión de los imperios militarizados K’iche, Kaqchikel y Tzutuhil. Es también, una época de incesantes acciones bélicas, un estado de guerra permanente que facilitó la conquista española en 1524.
- El período Posclásico (1000 a 1524 d.C.)
Representa el momento de apogeo de las ciudades de Iximché, Mixco Viejo y Chinautla en las Tierras Altas Centrales; Tajumulco, Zaculeu, Utatlán, Chuitinamit y Zacualpa en las Tierras Altas del Oeste y de numerosas ciudades del sector menos elevado de los actuales departamentos de Quiché y de las Verapaces: Chalchitan, Chutinamit, Xolchun, Xolpacol, Huil, Vicaveval, Nebaj, Chipal, Cahyup, Chichén y Chijolom entre otros.
Es dividido por los investigadores en dos
this page online
- Temprano (de 1000 a 1200 d.C.)
El Posclásico Formativo conoce el apogeo de las ciudades fortificadas como Mixco Viejo y Chinautla.
La inseguridad se refleja en los asentamientos protejidos por construcciones militares, que se encuentran en las partes altas de elevaciones naturales, generalmente rodeados de barrancos que proveen un sistema defensivo natural.
Los grupos Pipil-Nicaro instalados en las pendientes de la costa Pacífica extienden su influencia sobre los grupos Mam y Pokomam del Altiplano y desarrollan nuevas relaciones comerciales. Sin embargo, su expansión se ve interrumpida por la llegada de un grupo Putún “mexicanizado” (con influencia tolteca-cholulteca-chichimeca), procedente del Golfo de México a través de las tierras altas de Chiapas y del Río Usumacinta. Este grupo era una élite mercantil y guerrera que había adoptado costumbres mayas y mexicanas y que al unirse con las élites locales, aportando sus rasgos culturales, sería el origen de las élites K’ichés, Kaqchikel y Tzutuhiles y del desarrollo de sus estados.
Características de la época, son las vasijas “Plomizas”, entonces muy populares en la Zona Maya, así como las cerámicas “Naranja fino” importadas de
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, July 3, 2016
2. The Memorial of Solola: History of the Kaqchikeles and their Capital, Iximché Marker
The Spanish version of the marker.
- El Posclásico Tardío o período Protohistórico (1200-1524)
Conoce la expansión de los tres grupos más potentes a la llegada de los Españoles: los Kaqchikeles, los K’ichés y los Tzutuhiles y el nacimiento de la nación Kaqchikel. Termina con la llegada de los Españoles.
A mediados del Siglo XIV, los K’ichés controlaban un amplio territorio del Altiplano Central que se extendía del Río Chixoy al Alto Montagua. Medio Siglo más tarde, después de un período de revueltas fallidas contra los K’ichés, Gucumatz funda la ciudad de Gumaarcaj (Utatlán). Gucumatz emprende guerras expansionistas hacia el Norte y el Este. Su sucesor Quicab, amplia las conquistas hacia el Sur y la Costa Pacífica.
La expansión del Imperio K’iché se estanca alrededor de 1475 con la rebelión y la separación de la confederación de los Kaqchikeles, antes fieles aliados. En los decenios posteriores los K’ichés trataron en repetidas ocasiones y en vano de subyugar nuevamente a los Kaqchikeles.
Pie de dibujo: Gupos (sic) étnicos y Capitales de las Tierras Altas durante el Período Posclásico. (Ilustración: P. Gámez basado en Handbook)
Gráfico: Cronología de los Reyes K’ichés
Balam Quitzé · 1225-1250 · Encabeza la migración al altiplano del norte
Cocoja
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, July 3, 2016
3. The Arrival of the Spanish Marker, in Spanish.
Tziquin · 1275-1300 · Encabeza la conquista de los Poqomames hacia el Este
Ahcan · 1300-1325
C´ocaib · 1325-1350 · Vuelve al Este para obtener el título de Ahpop
Conache · 1350-1375 · Funda nueva capital en Ismachi
Cotujá · 1375-1400 · Extiende el territorio K’iche’
Gucumatz · 1400-1425 · Funda Gumarcaaj
Quicab · 1425-1475 · Mayor extensión del territorio K’iche’
Vahxaqui-Caam · 1475-1500 · Se funda Iximché después de la revuelta de Kaqchikeles
Oxib-Queh · 1500-1524 · Es muerto por los Españoles después de la toma de Gumarcaaj
El Memorial de Sololá: Historia de los Kaqchikeles y su Capital, Iximché
La mayor fuente escrita para el conocimiento de la Historia de los Kaqchikeles es el Memorial de Sololá, también llamado Anales de los Kaqchikeles. Fue redactado en Kaqchikel en la ciudad de Sololá, a finales del siglo XVI por descendientes de los Señores de Iximché.
El primer autor, Hernández Arana, era nieto del Señor Jun Ik´, del linaje de los Xajil. Había sido testigo en su infancia, de la llegada de los Españoles y empezó alrededor del año 1573 a registrar las tradiciones de su linaje. Después de su muerte en 1582, Francisco Díaz, miembro de la misma familia, continuo la recopilación de los eventos importantes de su pueblo.
En el siglo XVII, se efectuó una copia del texto original
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, July 3, 2016
4. The Post Classic, the Major Period of Development Marker
of the K'iche, Kaqchikel and Tzutuhil Nations in the Highlands Marker in Kaqchikel.
A diferencia de otros textos indígenas llamados “Títulos”, que eran escritos por las poblaciones para reclamar tierras que históricamente les pertenecían, los Anales no tienen este único propósito: se trata de una crónica que relata la historia de los Kaqchikeles desde la migración legendaria de Tulán hacia el siglo XVII. La primera sección relata los mitos de creación y la migración de los ancestros, la parte central contiene la historia del Pueblo Kaqchikel y la tercera registra – con fechas del calendario maya - eventos que empiezan en 1494 y terminan en el siglo XVII.
Relatan los momentos importantes de la Historia de los Kaqchikeles:
1200 a 1250 – Período de la llegada de los ancestros de las dinastías K´iché y Kaqchikeles. Provenientes de la Costa del Golfo de México, estos grupos guerreros son probabablemente mayas putunes- “mexicanizados”, que se unieron con las familias dominantes locales.
Alrededor de 1300 – Emergencia del grupo K'iché como dominante
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, July 3, 2016
5. The Memorial of Solola: History of the Kaqchikeles and their Capital, Iximché Marker
The Kaqchikel version of the marker.
Siglo XIV – Los Kaqchikeles, súbditos de la nación K´iché, ocupan sin embargo un lugar privilegiado en la confederación.
1470-1475 Fecha en la cual los Kaqchikeles, que tenían su corte en Chiavar, se separan de la confederación.
1470-1480 Los Señores Juntoh y Vukubatz fundan la ciudad de Iximché.
1480-1524 Se expande el dominio de la nación Kaqchikel sobre los grupos lingüísticos minoritarios vecinos. Los señores de Iximché emprenden operaciones bélicas para controlar la región de la Costa Pacífica productora de cacao y muchas otras riquezas.
1490 – Primer intento fallido de la nación K´iché de reconquistar a los Kaqchikeles en Iximché.
1493 – Revuelta fallida de Tukuché en Iximché.
1510 – Llegada a Iximché de emisarios de Moctezuma, el Emperador Azteca, avisando de la llegada y la presencia de los Españoles en las islas del Caribe
1513 – Iximché es destruida por un incendio y reconstruida.
1515-1518 Los Señores de Iximché vencen varios ataques de los ejércitos K´ichés.
1521 – Una epidemia quizás de sarampión tiene graves consecuencias en Iximché y la región Kaqchikel.
5 de Septiembre de 1524 – Los habitantes de Iximché abandonan la ciudad y empiezan una lucha de guerrilla en contra de los Españoles.
Pie de dibujos: Página del Memorial
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, July 3, 2016
6. The Arrival of the Spanish Marker, in Kaqchikel.
Mano armada de una lanza, fragmento de incensario procedente de Iximché.
La Llegada de los Españoles
La arqueología provee muy escasa información del encuentro con los Españoles y de su presencia en Iximché. La historia es conocida a través de las fuentes indígenas como el Memorial de Sololá (Los Anales de los Kaqchikeles) y por los textos de los conquistadores: las cartas de Pedro de Alvarado a Hernán Cortés y las de éste último al Rey de España, Carlos V, o por los relatos de los cronistas como Bernal Díaz del Castillo y Francisco de Remesal.
De la cronología de los hechos sabemos lo siguiente:
Los Señores de Iximché sabían de la llegada de los Españoles, 14 años antes del primer encuentro con Pedro de Alvarado.
El 12 de Abril de 1524, Pedro de Alvarado entra a Utatlán. Dos días más tarde es recibido pacíficamente por los Señores de Iximché. Algunos días después Pedro de Alvarado emprende una acción militar hacia El Salvador, destruyendo a su paso la ciudad de Izcuintepec (Escuintla) enemiga de los Kaqchikeles.
De regreso a Iximché, el 25 de Julio del mismo año funda la primera capital española en Guatemala y el 27 escribe a Hernán Cortés, informándole de la fundación de la “villa” española de Iximché.
El 5 de septiembre, 4 Camey
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, July 3, 2016
7. Mayan Civilization in the Post Classic Period Marker
The six panels can be seen under the informative kiosk, with the entrance to the Iximche Archaeological Park in the distance.
El 7 de febrero de 1526, otro día 4 Camey, un nuevo incendio destruye parcialmente Iximché, generando esta vez por unos 60 soldados Kaqchikeles, para esconder su huida de la ciudad con el fin de no acompañar a Alvarado en su campaña a Honduras.
El 22 de Noviembre de 1527, la capital española se traslada a Almolonga.
En enero de 1528, los Kaqchikeles empiezan a pagar tributos a los Españoles. El 26 de Mayo de 1540, al sentir próximas rebeliones indígenas, Pedro de Alvarado ejecuta a uno de los señores Kaqchikeles, Cahi Imox.
Pie de dibujos:
Batalla de Quauhtemalla (Guatemala) entre españoles y tlaxcaltecas, contra kaqchiqueles. Lienzo de Tlaxcala, siglo XVI
Retrato de Pedro de Alvarado
Gráficas:
Pedro de Alvarado escribe a Hernán Cortés: “Que yo señor: partí de. La ciudad de Uclatán (Utatlán) y vine en dos días a esta ciudad de Guatemala donde fui muy bien recibido de los señores della q. No pudiera ser más casa de ntros. Padres: y fuimos tan proveydos de todo lo necesario q. Ninguna cosa hubo falta”
De
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, March 28, 2019
8. Awilitz Temple in Utatlán, the Quiché capital
This image is from the Museo de la Cultura Maya (Museum of Mayan Culture) in Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Its caption reads:
Repoblamiento de la Tierras Altas de Guatemala por grupos quichés.
Templo de Awilitz en Utatlán, capital de los quichés
English:
Repopulation of the Highlands of Guatemala by Quiché groups.
Awilitz Temple in Utatlán, the Quiché capital
Templo de Awilitz en Utatlán, capital de los quichés
Repopulation of the Highlands of Guatemala by Quiché groups.
Awilitz Temple in Utatlán, the Quiché capital
The marker is a collection of three informative panels in Spanish and their respective versions in Kaqchikel.
The Post Classic, the Major Period of Development of the K'iche, Kaqchikel and Tzutuhil Nations in the Highlands
The Post-Classic period extends from the year 1000 until the conquest in 1524. In the Highlands, the Post Classic is a period of foreign influence and migration and the birth and expansion of the militarized empires of the K'iche, Kaqchikel and Tzutuhil. It is also a time of incessant, permanent war that facilitated the Spanish conquest in 1524.
- The Post-Classic period (1000-1524 A.D.)
This period is the apogee of the cities of Iximché, Chinautla and Mixco Viejo in the Central Highlands; Tajumulco, Zaculeu, Utatlán, Chuitinamit and Zacualpa in the Western Highlands and numerous cities of lesser importance in the current departments of Quiché and the Verapaces: Chalchitan, Chutinamit, Xolchun, Xolpacol, Huil, Vicaveval, Nebaj, Chipal, Cahyup, Chichén and Chijolom, among others.
Researchers divide the period into two periods: the early period from 1000 to 1200-1250, and the late period, also called “proto-historic”, from 1200-1250 until the arrival of the Spaniards.
- The Early Period (1000 to 1200 A.D.)
The formative Post Classic sees the highpoint for the fortified cities of Mixco Viejo and Chinautla.
Insecurity is reflected in the settlements protected by military defenses, which are normally surrounded by cliffs that provide a natural defense system on the heights of natural elevations.
The Pipil-Nicaro groups on the slopes of the Pacific coast extend their influence over the Highlands Mam and Pokomam groups and develop new business relationships. However, their expansion is interrupted by the arrival of a "Mexicanized" Putún group (with Toltec-Cholulteca-Chichimeca influence) from the Gulf of Mexico through the highlands of Chiapas and the Usumacinta River. This group was a merchant and warrior elite that had taken Maya and Mexican customs and joined with local elites, bringing their cultural traits. They would be the origin of the K'iché, Kaqchikel and Tzutuhile elites and the development of their states.
Characteristic of the period are the "Plomizas" jars which were very popular in the Maya area, as well as ceramics known as "Naranja fino" imported from the Gulf of Mexico Coast. This and other pottery is a testimony to the incessant contact and trade between the groups.
- The Late Post Classic or Protohistoric period (1200-1524)
This period sees the expansion of the three most powerful groups to the arrival of the Spaniards: Kaqchikeles, the K'ichés and Tzutuhiles, as well as the birth of the Kaqchikel nation. It all ends with the arrival of the Spaniards.
In the mid-fourteenth century, the K'ichés controlled a vast territory of the Central Highlands that extended from the Chixoy the Montagua Rivers. Half a century later, after a period of unsuccessful revolts against the K'ichés, Gucumatz founded the city of Gumaarcaj (Utatlán). Gucumatz undertakes expansionist wars to the north and east. His successor, Quicab, makes wide, new conquests to the south and to the Pacific Coast.
The expansion of the K'iché Empire stagnates around 1475 with the rebellion and separation of the Kaqchikel confederation, which before had been faithful allies. In subsequent decades K'ichés repeatedly tried in vain to subjugate the Kaqchikeles again.
Caption:Ethnic groups and their capitals in the Guatemalan Highlands during the Post Classic Period. (Illustration: P. Gamez based on his Handbook)
Sidebar graphic: Chronology of the K'iché Kings
Balam Quitzé · 1225-1250 · Leads the migration to the northern highlands
Cocoja · 1250-1275
Tziquin · 1275-1300 · Leads the conquest of the Poqomames to the east
Ahcan · 1300-1325
C'ocaib · 1325-1350 · Returns to the East to be named with the title of Ahpop
Conache · 1350-1375 · Founds a new capital in Ismachi
Cotujá · 1375-1400 · Extends the territory of the K'iche'
Gucumatz · 1400-1425 · Founds the city of Gumarcaaj
Quicab · 1425-1475 · Further extends the territory of the K'iche'
Vahxaqui-Caam · 1475-1500 · Iximché is founded after the revolt of the Kaqchikeles
Oxib-Queh · 1500-1524 · He is killed by the Spaniards after taking Gumarcaaj
The Memorial of Solola: History of the Kaqchikeles and their Capital, Iximché
The best source of knowledge of the history of the Kaqchikeles is the Memorial of Solola, also called The Annals of the Kaqchikeles. It was written in Kaqchikel in the city of Solola, in the late sixteenth century by descendants of the kings of Iximché.
The first author, Hernández Arana, was the grandson of Lord Jun Ik´, of the Xahil family. He had witnessed in his childhood the arrival of the Spaniards and around 1573 began to record the traditions of their lineage. After his death in 1582, Francisco Díaz, a member of the same family, continued the collection of the important events of his people.
In the seventeenth century, a copy of the original text, which probably came from previously known versions, was made. In 1855, the frenchman Brasseur de Bourbourg translated the text into French. An English version was completed by Brinton. In 1934, the Guatemalan scholar Villacorta, published the Kaqchikel version of the document and also a Spanish translation. In 1950, Adrian Recintos released a new version, which is currently used as a reference source.
Unlike other indigenous texts, known as "Titles", which were written by the indigenous people to reclaim land that historically belonged to them, the Annals do not have this sole purpose: it is a story that tells the story of Kaqchikeles from the Tulán legendary migration up to the seventeenth century. The first section tells the myths of creation and migration of the ancestors, the central part contains the history of the Kaqchikel people and the third portion records – using dates from the Mayan calendar - events that begin in 1494 and end in the seventeenth century.
The Annals relate the important moments in Kaqchikel history:
1200-1250 - Period of the arrival of the ancestors of the K'iche and Kaqchikel dynasties. From the Gulf Coast of Mexico, these groups were probably Mayan putunes - "mexicanized" warriors which joined with the local ruling families.
Around 1300 – The K'ichés emerge as the dominant group in the political landscape of the Highlands.
14th century - The Kaqchikel become subjects of the K'iché nation, however they occupy a privileged place in the confederation.
1470-1475 The Kaqchikel, who held court in Chiavar, are separated from the confederation.
1470-1480 The Lords Juntoh and Vukubatz found the city of Iximché.
1480-1524 The Kaqchikel nation expands its territory at the expense of minority language group neighbors. The kings of Iximché undertake military operations to control the region of the Pacific Coast, which is a source of cacao and many other riches.
1490 - First failed attempt by the K'ichés to recover Iximché from the Kaqchikeles.
1493 – The failed revolt of Tukuche in Iximché.
1510 - Emissaries of Moctezuma, the Aztec Emperor, arrive at Iximché warning of the arrival and presence of the Spaniards in the Caribbean Islands.
1513 - Iximché is destroyed by fire and rebuilt.
1515-1518 The Lords of Iximché overcome several attacks of the K'iché armies.
1521 - An epidemic of measles has serious consequences in the Iximché and Kaqchikel region.
September 5, 1524 - The people of Iximché leave town and start their guerrilla struggle against the Spaniards.
Captions: Memorial of Solola, the document also known as the Annals of the Kaqchikel.
A portion of a spear and a censer fragment from Iximché.
The Arrival of the Spanish
Archaeology provides very little information about the first meeting with the Spaniards and their presence in Iximché. The story is mostly known through indigenous sources such as the Memorial of Solola (The Annals of the Kaqchikel) and by the texts of the conquerors: the letters of Pedro de Alvarado to Hernán Cortés and the latter to the King of Spain, Carlos V, and also by the accounts of Bernal Diaz del Castillo and Francisco de Remesal.
From the various sources we know the following chronology of events:
The Lords of Iximché knew of the arrival of the Spanish, 14 years before the first meeting with Pedro de Alvarado.
On April 12, 1524, Pedro de Alvarado enters Utatlán. Two days later he is greeted peacefully by the Lords of Iximché. A few days later Pedro de Alvarado began a military action towards El Salvador, destroying the city of Izcuintepec step (Escuintla), enemy of the Kaqchikel.
He then returns to Iximché on July 25 and in the same year founded the first Spanish capital in Guatemala. On July 27 he wrote to Hernán Cortés, informing him of the founding of the Spanish "villa" of Iximché.
On September 5, 4 Camey in the Kaqchikel calendar, the people revolted against the excessive demands of the Spaniards in construction, production of gold and the cruelty of Alvarado. They then secretly abandoned the city and flew to the mountains where they found shelter and began to fight against the Spanish power.
On February 7, 1526, another 4 Camey, a new fire partially destroyed Iximché, generated this time by about 60 Kaqchikel soldiers to hide their escape from the city in order not to accompany Alvarado on his campaign to Honduras.
On November 22, 1527, the Spanish capital was moved to Almolonga.
In January of 1528, the Kaqchikeles started paying tribute to the Spaniards. On May 26, 1540, feeling that indigenous rebellions were eminent, Pedro de Alvarado executes one of the Kaqchikel lords, Cahi Imox.
Captions:
The Battle of Quauhtemalla (Guatemala) between Spaniards and Tlaxcalans against Kaqchiqueles. The Tlaxcala Canvas, 16th century
Portrait of Pedro de Alvarado
Sidebars:
Pedro de Alvarado wrote to Hernán Cortés: "To my lord, I left the city of Uclatán (Utatlán) and came in two days to this city of Guatemala where I was very well received from their lords. It could not be more like our own parents’ houses. We were provided with everything necessary to us. There was nothing that we lacked."
From Remesal’s ‘Account of the founding of the Spanish villa’
On July 25, in which the Church celebrates the feast day of Saint James (Santiago), patron saint of Spain, all of the Spanish formed as an army went to hear Mass, to the sound of drums and fifes, and the noise of arquebuses and muskets ... Concluded this act, together all invoked the Apostle Santiago, and gave his name to the town that had been founded. To the same saint they dedicated the church that was going to be built. And all the Spaniards celebrated the foundation of the new town with great festivals and military rejoicings which lasted three days."
Erected by IDAEH, Departamento de Monumentos Prehispánicos y Coloniales.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is September 5, 1524.
Location. 14° 44.149′ N, 90° 59.797′ W. Marker is in Tecpán Guatemala, Chimaltenango. The marker is directly to the left some meters after the entrance to the Archaeological Park of Iximche. The park is south of the city of Tecpán Guatemala on a road known locally as the "Road to Iximche". Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tecpán Guatemala, Chimaltenango 04006, Guatemala. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mesoamerica and the Mayan Civilization (a few steps from this marker); Southwest Area (within shouting distance of this marker); Plaza A of Iximche (within shouting distance of this marker); Entrance to the City's Center (within shouting distance of this marker); Stela Commemorating the End of the Oxlajpiq/Oxlajb’ak’tun (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Sociopolitical Organization of Mayan Social Classes (about 120 meters away); Sotz'il Palace (about 120 meters away); Temple 5 at Iximche (approx. 0.2 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tecpán Guatemala.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 26, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 17, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 471 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 17, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on October 19, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 8. submitted on June 25, 2019, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.
