Mixtec Empire: Skilled Artisans and the Masters of Codices in Mesoamerica

The Mixtec civilization, known as the Ñuu Savi or "People of the Rain," emerged in the rugged mountains and fertile valleys of what is now Oaxaca, Mexico. Their origins date back to the Preclassic period, around 1500 BCE, when small agricultural communities began to flourish in the Mixteca Alta, Mixteca Baja, and Mixteca de la Costa regions. These early settlements were shaped by the challenging geography, with steep hills and limited arable land requiring innovative farming techniques. Over centuries, the Mixtec people developed sophisticated agricultural systems, including terracing and irrigation, which allowed them to sustain growing populations and establish permanent communities.

Mythology played a central role in Mixtec identity, reinforcing their connection to the land and legitimizing the rule of their elite class. The Mixtec creation story, recorded in their intricate codices, tells of divine ancestors emerging from a sacred place known as Apoala, a cave associated with the origins of humanity. These ancestors, believed to be both human and divine, established the first Mixtec lineages, which would later claim authority over the various city-states. This mythology was not just a story but a political tool that reinforced the power of Mixtec rulers, linking them directly to the gods and the forces of nature.

The early Mixtec communities were organized into small chiefdoms, each ruled by a hereditary elite. These leaders controlled land, resources, and religious ceremonies, ensuring stability and continuity within their societies. Over time, as populations expanded and rivalries grew, these chiefdoms evolved into larger political entities, forming the foundation for the powerful Mixtec city-states that would dominate the region in later centuries.