Ecatepec History, Mexico

Ecatepec History - The Otomis and the Aztecs

San Cristobal Ecatepec de Morelos, known simply as Ecatepec, is a place very rich in history. Its area was initially occupied by the Otomi indigenous tribe, which was later conquered by the prolific Aztecs. They hired Otomis as paid soldiers in the military campaigns against the Spanish crown, but the Otomis soon ended up under the rule of the Spaniards. Ecatepec was a very important logistic centre in the Aztec administration, as they used it to control all commercial routes heading north. The Aztec empire occupied a very vast territory whose marks are also visible in Oaxaca History and Veracruz History.

They were a very well organized society known mostly for its impressive architecture and arts, one of the most shocking aspects of their spiritual belief being that they practiced human sacrifice. By observation of the moon and the sun they developed highly sophisticated calendars on which they based their rituals, and they even built two impressive pyramidal temples to honor their main celestial guides. Their pyramid-shaped temples distinguish themselves from the Egyptian ones by the fact that they have steps on the outside, but they are as much of a mystery as the Egyptian ones. Still today there are many ruins which you can visit and the Aztec legacy is a much respected one in Mexico.

Ecatepec History - The Mexican War of Independence

The city of Ecatepec has a strong historical significance for the Mexican people, as is it the place where their national hero from the War of Independence, Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon, was executed by the Spanish in 1815. He rebelled against the Spanish rule and was an important leader during the movement for independence, but was tried and executed in Ecatepec during his fourth military campaign. The house in which he died is now the Museo Casa de Morelos and is open for visitation. San Cristobal Ecatepec was declared a village in 1877 and ”de Morelos” was added to its name, in honor of Mexico’s national hero. There is also a monument of Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon standing in the city.

Ecatepec History - The Modern Period

Ecatepec was declared a city on December 1, 1980. It has a population of 1,6 million and mostly functions as a working-class suburb of the nearby capital, Mexico City. Its historical sites and archaeological ruins are very well preserved and make a very good reason to visit this city that can’t be missed on an archaeological tour of Mexico.