Oaxaca history

The history of Oaxaca is a unique tapestry of ancient indigenous cultures and Spanish colonial heritage. The city, situated in a fertile valley within the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains, has served as a significant cultural and commercial centre for centuries.

Foundation and Pre-Hispanic Period

Long before the arrival of Europeans, the Valley of Oaxaca was the cradle of great civilisations. The Zapotecs and Mixtecs flourished here, leaving behind magnificent archaeological monuments such as Monte Albán — an ancient city and ceremonial centre founded around 500 BC. The first settlement on the site of the modern city was established by the Aztecs in 1486. They created a military post here called Huaxyacac, which in the Nahuatl language means "the place where the guaje grows" — a type of acacia tree. It is from this name that the modern name of the city is derived.

Spanish Conquest and Establishment of the City

Spanish conquistadors arrived in this region in 1521. In 1529, they founded a settlement, naming it Antequera. By 1532, King Charles V of Spain granted it city status, officially renaming it Oaxaca. Thanks to its strategic location at the intersection of trade routes connecting central Mexico with territories in the southeast, the city quickly transformed into a key administrative and economic hub of New Spain.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economic prosperity of colonial Oaxaca was largely linked to the production of cochineal — a valuable natural crimson dye extracted from insects, which was highly prized in Europe. The city became a centre for the blending of Spanish and indigenous traditions, which was reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and crafts. During this period, magnificent churches and monasteries were erected from the characteristic greenish stone, which today form the unique appearance of Oaxaca's historic centre, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Key Dates in the History of Oaxaca

• c. 500 BC — The Zapotecs found the city of Monte Albán, which becomes the main political and cultural centre of the region for many centuries.
• c. 750 AD — Monte Albán loses its influence and gradually falls into decline, after which the inhabitants abandon the city.
• 1486 — The Aztecs establish a military garrison called Huaxyacac on this site, which became the predecessor of the modern city.
• 1521 — Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco de Orozco arrive in the Valley of Oaxaca.
• 1529 — Spanish settlers found a settlement named Antequera.
• 1532 — By decree of King Charles V of Spain, the settlement receives city status and the official name Oaxaca.
• 1690 — Construction of the Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude (Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad) is completed, becoming an important religious centre.
• 1806 — Benito Juárez, the future president and national hero of Mexico, is born in a small village near Oaxaca.
• 1847 — Benito Juárez becomes the governor of the state of Oaxaca, beginning his distinguished political career.
• 1872 — In honour of its distinguished native son, the city is officially renamed Oaxaca de Juárez.
• 1931 — A powerful earthquake causes serious damage to the city, destroying many historical buildings.
• 1932 — Mexican archaeologist Alfonso Caso discovers the famous "Tomb No. 7" at Monte Albán containing the richest treasures of the Mixtecs.
• 1987 — The historic centre of Oaxaca and the archaeological zone of Monte Albán are included in the UNESCO World Heritage list for their unique cultural value.

Stages of Oaxaca's Development

The history of Oaxaca is marked by a series of key events that have shaped its unique economic, cultural, and architectural character. From a colonial centre to a modern tourism magnet — here are the main milestones in the city's development.

• Colonial Economic Boom (16th–18th centuries). Following the Spanish founding of the city, its prosperity was built on the production of cochineal — a valuable red dye. This product became the region's main export commodity, leading to the accumulation of wealth and the construction of magnificent Baroque churches and mansions that formed the historic city centre.
• The Era of Benito Juárez (mid-19th century). Oaxaca is the birthplace of Benito Juárez, Mexico's first president of indigenous origin. His political career, which began as state governor in 1847, and his subsequent liberal reforms had a profound impact on the entire country. In 1872, the city was officially renamed Oaxaca de Juárez in his honour, forever cementing its status as a politically significant centre.
• Arrival of the Railway (1892). The opening of the Mexican Southern Railway, connecting Oaxaca with Puebla and Mexico City, was a major economic breakthrough. This event overcame the geographical isolation of the valley, giving a powerful boost to trade, agriculture, and the integration of the region into the national economy.
• Earthquake and Restoration (1931). A powerful earthquake caused serious damage to the city's colonial architecture. The subsequent reconstruction not only restored many buildings but also drew attention to the need for preserving historical heritage, influencing future urban planning.
• Discovery of "Tomb No. 7" (1932). The archaeological discovery by Alfonso Caso at Monte Albán, where immense Mixtec treasures were found, created a global sensation. This find greatly enhanced Oaxaca's cultural and historical significance, turning it into one of the most important centres for the study of pre-Hispanic civilisations.
• UNESCO Recognition (1987). The inclusion of Oaxaca's historic centre and the archaeological zone of Monte Albán in the UNESCO World Heritage list was a turning point. This status attracted international attention, stimulated tourism development, and promoted measures to protect the city's unique cultural and architectural assets.
• Emergence as a Tourism Capital (late 20th – early 21st century). Drawing on its rich heritage, Oaxaca has established itself as the cultural and gastronomic capital of Mexico. The city has become world-renowned for its festivals, such as the Day of the Dead and Guelaguetza, unique crafts, mezcal production, and distinctive cuisine, making tourism a key sector of the modern economy.

The architectural appearance of Oaxaca is a vivid illustration of its rich history, where pre-Hispanic heritage blends harmoniously with the splendour of the Spanish colonial era. The city, whose historic centre is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its unique buildings made of greenish volcanic stone known as cantera, which gives the structures a distinctive colour and texture. The urban structure of the centre was laid out by the Spanish according to the classic "grid" principle, yet it was local materials and stone-carving traditions that filled it with distinctive character.

Spanish Colonial Baroque (16th–18th centuries)

The height of urban development occurred during the colonial period, when Oaxaca became a thriving centre of New Spain. The dominant style of this era was New Spanish Baroque, which acquired its own unique features in Oaxaca. Due to the region's high seismic activity, buildings were constructed with massive walls and powerful buttresses, giving them a monumental quality. At the same time, facades and interiors were adorned with lavish and intricate carving.

Iconic examples of this style include:

• Temple of Santo Domingo de Guzmán (Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán): Considered a jewel of Mexican Baroque. Its construction began in 1572. The temple's facade is relatively restrained, but the interior astounds with an incredible wealth of gilded stucco, sculptures, and paintings depicting the family tree of the Dominican Order.
• Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption (Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción): Its construction began in 1535, but due to earthquakes, it was rebuilt many times and acquired its current appearance in the 18th century. The cathedral's facade is decorated with skilful stone carving featuring scenes from the lives of saints.
• Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude (Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad): Distinguished by a unique concave facade resembling a theatrical set. This is a striking example of earthquake-resistant Baroque architecture.

Neoclassicism and Eclecticism (19th – early 20th centuries)

After Mexico gained independence, the lavish Baroque was replaced by the more austere and restrained Neoclassicism, and later by Eclecticism, characteristic of the era of President Porfirio Díaz. This period gifted the city with buildings featuring stricter lines, symmetrical facades, and elements inspired by European architecture.

• Macedonio Alcalá Theatre (Teatro Macedonio Alcalá): Built in 1909, this theatre is a magnificent example of eclectic architecture with strong influences of the French Art Nouveau and Renaissance styles. Its luxurious interior with a marble staircase, gilded stucco in the style of Louis XV, and majestic auditorium reflects the tastes of that era.

Modern Development and Heritage Preservation

In the 20th century, Oaxaca's urban development was primarily directed towards the preservation of its historical core. After the devastating earthquake of 1931, many colonial buildings were meticulously restored. The recognition of the city centre as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 definitively cemented the priority of preserving the unique architectural ensemble. Modern construction is carried out predominantly outside the historic centre, allowing Oaxaca to remain one of the most authentic colonial cities in Mexico today.

Distinguished Individuals Who Left a Mark on Oaxaca's History

The land of Oaxaca has given Mexico and the world not merely talented people, but true titans whose ideas, creativity, and political will have changed the course of history. Walking through the city, you will constantly encounter reminders of their legacy — in street names, within museum walls, and even in the music filling the air.

• Benito Juárez (1806–1872)

  A national hero of Mexico and the country's first president of indigenous descent, Benito Juárez is a key figure in the history of not only Oaxaca but the entire nation. Born into a humble Zapotec family in a small village, he managed to obtain a law degree in Oaxaca and became the state governor in 1847. Juárez went down in history as the author of liberal reforms aimed at separating the church from the state and establishing equality of citizens before the law. In his honour, the city bears the official name Oaxaca de Juárez, and a museum has been opened in the house where he lived.

• Porfirio Díaz (1830–1915)

  Another native of Oaxaca who became President of Mexico, but left a completely different legacy. In his youth, Díaz was an ally of Juárez and a hero of the war against French intervention. However, he later came to power through a coup. His long rule, known as the "Porfiriato", was an era of rapid economic modernisation and railway construction, but simultaneously a time of growing social inequality, which ultimately led to the Mexican Revolution.

• Rufino Tamayo (1899–1991)

  One of the greatest Mexican artists of the 20th century, born in Oaxaca. Unlike his muralist contemporaries, Tamayo avoided politically engaged art, creating his own unique style. He masterfully combined European modernism with deep motifs of pre-Columbian culture. Being a passionate collector, he donated his collection of ancient art to the city, which formed the basis of the Rufino Tamayo Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art — a must-visit place in Oaxaca.

• Francisco Toledo (1940–2019)

  An outstanding painter, sculptor, and, equally importantly, a passionate social activist and patron of the arts, considered the soul of modern Oaxaca. Drawing inspiration from the mythology and nature of his native land, Toledo was not only a prolific artist but also a defender of cultural heritage. Using his own funds, he founded numerous cultural institutions, including the Institute of Graphic Arts of Oaxaca (IAGO), a photography centre, and a library for the blind, making art accessible to all.

• Ricardo Flores Magón (1873–1922)

  A native of the state of Oaxaca who became one of the main ideologues and journalists anticipating the Mexican Revolution. A radical thinker and anarchist, he founded the Mexican Liberal Party and fiercely criticised the dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz through his newspaper "Regeneración". His uncompromising struggle for social justice cost him his freedom — he spent most of his life in exile and prisons.

• Macedonio Alcalá (1831–1869)

  A talented composer and violinist whose life was inextricably linked with Oaxaca. Despite his short life, he managed to create a work that became immortal. His waltz "God Never Dies" (Dios nunca muere) is considered the unofficial anthem of Oaxaca and is played at all significant city events. The composer's name is immortalised in the name of the city's main theatre — the magnificent Macedonio Alcalá Theatre, which is one of Oaxaca's architectural gems.