Cuernavaca
was always known for its mild climate and fantastic scenery.
Its original name was 'Cuaunahuac' which meant 'among the
trees'. The original inhabitants of this area were the Tlahuicas
who settled there in the 10th century. The pyramids and temples
at Teopanzalco were built by this culture. The Tlahuicas,
were later followed by the Aztecs who settled down in Cuernavaca
in large numbers.
In 1519 the Spanish arrived and destroyed
the Aztec empire. After the conquest of Mexico City, Cortez
came to Cuaunahuac and changed its name to ‘Cuernavaca’.
He built a palace in the city center, which stands even today.
Cortez took over all of the state of Morelos. With new products
and methods used in agriculture the Spaniards thrived on the
richness of the produce, which were exported. Cuernavaca and
the State of Morelos thrived under the Spanish for 290 years.
The church made every effort to convert the Indians to Christianity.
The natives mixed with the Spaniards, which gave birth to
a new race, the Mexicans. Part Spanish and part Indian, they
were called Mestizos. They grew in number and economic importance
but were excluded from all government posts, as were the Creoles
or Spaniards born in Mexico. All Appointments were reserved
for Spaniards born in Spain. This situation developed slowly
over the centuries but finally the native born population
arose to drive out the Spaniards and take over their own lands.
The War of Independence started in 1810 with the Cry of Dolores.
A Creole priest named Father Miguel Hidalgo rang his church
bells in the town of Dolores and shouted, " Long live
the liberty of all the Americas." The populace rose up
and, after a protracted war the Spaniards were forced to withdraw
in 1821.
The Spanish were finally thrown out of Mexico
only to be taken over by the French. Napoleon appointed a
governor named Maximilian to run Mexico and Maximilian chose
none other than beautiful Cuernavaca as the location for his
country estate where the natural springs made both a healthy
and warm retreat during the winter months.
Today Cuernavaca is a city of over one million
people and is the single most luxurious retreat for the wealthy
and powerful of Mexico.
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