Definition: Tlaxcala is the name of the state and its capital city in Mexico. Tlaxcala was one of the rival city states with the Aztec empire in the mid-15th century AD; and it was one of the few that successfully fended off the Aztec hegemony. The Tlaxcalans so despised the Aztecs, that when the Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes arrived in 1519, they allied with Cortes and were instrumental in the final defeat of the Aztecs. The Tlaxcalans were also among the earliest to be baptized into the Catholic faith; and several surviving 16th century churches in Tlaxcala today attest to that.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
