Mixtec Empire

Abstract

Archaeological and ethnohistoric research in Oaxaca, Mexico, shows that a powerful Pacific coastal empire dominated by Mixtecs developed during the Late Postclassic period with its political seat at the city of Tututepec. The Mixtec codices (indigenous screenfold manuscripts) record the founding of Tututepec by a highland Mixtec group led by the famous noble, Lord 8 Deer “Jaguar Claw.” Ethnohistorical documents record that Tututepec came to dominate a coastal empire reaching 25 000 sq. km. Archaeological research shows that Tututepec grew into a powerful city covering nearly 22 sq. km and that commoners benefited economically from the success of the empire.