Conquest of the Zapotecs

The Conquest of the Zapotecs refers to the Spanish colonization of the Zapotec civilization in present-day Oaxaca, Mexico, in the 16th century. Led by figures like Hernán Cortés and local allies, Spanish forces exploited divisions among indigenous groups and employed advanced weaponry to overpower the Zapotecs. The conquest significantly disrupted their society, culture, and economy, leading to the imposition of Spanish rule and the spread of Christianity. This event marked a crucial point in the larger history of European colonization in the Americas, transforming indigenous life and laying foundations for modern Mexico.