Guerrero

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Mixtecs and Chatino; in the south-east there are still some descendants of negro slaves.

Archaeological Sites

A large number of archaeological sites have been discovered in the state, but they have either not been excavated or are of relatively little interest. Among them are Los Monos, Mommoxtli, Ixcateopan and Xochipala.

The caves of Juxtlahuaca and Oxtotitlán (pre-Columbian wall- paintings - see Chilpancingo) are well worth a visit.

History

The region was probably already settled in the Archaic period. The first archaeological remains were left by the mysterious Olmecs, who came to this area c. 1000 bc from the Gulf coast by way of the central highlands, probably seeking jade, and left traces of their presence in the form of rock paintings and terracotta and jade figures. Practically nothing is known of the people who created the Mezcala style (stylised geometric figures carved in various kinds of stone). In this region Olmec and Teotihuacán styles have evidently fused to produce a new artistic whole. Figurines and masks in pure Teotihuacán style have also, however, been found in Guerrero. The later development of metalworking in central Mexico is attributed to possible influences from Peru, Colombia and Costa Rica, passing by way of Guerrero. In the post-Classic period (950-1521) the predominant cultural influences were those of the Mixtecs and later the Aztecs, who conquered part of Guerrero in the mid 15th c.

Between 1522 and 1532 the Spanish conquistadors, under Cristóbal de Olid, Gonzalo de Sandoval and Hurtado de Mendoza, conquered parts of Guerrero and advanced to the coast. During the colonial period the important route from the Pacific port of Acapulco to Mexico City and on to the Gulf of Mexico passed through Guerrero. The state of Guerrero was established in 1849 and named after Vicente Guerrero, one of the leading fighters for Mexican independence and the second President of the Republic.

Economy

In addition to mining for silver, gold, mercury, lead, tin, zinc and sulphur, the main elements in the economy of Guerrero are agriculture (sugar-cane, cotton, coffee, tobacco, vanilla and corn) and forestry (hardwood and rubber). Tourism also makes a major contribution, the great tourist centres being Taxco, Acapulco and Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa.

Sights

In addition to the capital, Chilpancingo and the major tourist centres of Taxco, Acapulco and Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa, there is also the town of Iguala. Agustin Iturbide promulgated the "Iguala Plan" which laid the foundations for the practical achievement of Mexican independence.