Brief history of Guatemala. During and after the Colonial period, Guatemala exported products which had been originally processed by the Mayan people, such as cacao and Spanish Red, which is a dye extracted from cochineal insects. These remnants fought hard to preserve … Brief History of Guatemala: Guatemala was home to the ancient civilization of the Maya. The national team competes internationally, and Guatemalan players figure prominently in clubs in other national leagues, especially those of Mexico and Uruguay. McCreery, David. Guatemala's colonial history is present in the architecture that still stands today. History of Guatemala. In reality, the encomienda system became little more than an excuse for legalized enslavement, as the natives were expected to work with little reward for their efforts. Thanks to his land reform policies designed to benefit displaced farmers at the expense of private interests such as the US-based United Fruit Company, Arbenz attracted the attention of the CIA and was overthrown in an “anti-communist” military coup. A reworking of Grandin's dissertation, "The Blood of Guatemala" refers to the both the national/ethnic/racial identities that defined Guatemala throughout its history and also the literal blood that flowed during the 30 year civil war in which the most repressive state in the hemisphere slaughtered two hundred thousand of its citizens. The first colonial capital of Guatemala, Ciudad Vieja, founded in 1527, was moved four miles away after an earthquake and heavy rains destroyed the city in 1542. A chronology of key events: 2000 BC- 250 AD: Mayan Preclassic Period 250 AD- 900 AD: Mayan Classic Period during which many Maya cities reached their historically recognized height of making great contributions to astrology, mathematics, writing, language, architecture, religion, and agriculture. They offered help to defeat the remaining K’iche soldiers and the Kaqchikel’s main enemies the Tz’utujil, in the Lake Atitlan region. It is said that he looks with favor on offerings of cigars and alcohol! Welcome to Casa Araya, a beautiful Spanish Colonial house, located 10 minutes away from the UNESCO site, La Antigua Guatemala and 1hr. Modern-day Guatemala was the core of the Maya civilization, which extended across Mesoamerica. The descent towards war began in 1954, when the CIA helped overthrow a democratically-elected, left-leaning government led by Jacobo Arbenz. This represented a drastic change to the local cultural groups and its way of living. In 1944, Guatemala went through a revolution that saw the removal of a long-time dictator and the establishment of the first democratically elected government in the nation’s history. This was a powerful and advanced civilization that built many pyramids that we can still visit today. Guatemalan literary works are either in Spanish or in the indigenous languages of the people. After three years of thorough examination, the Capital moved to the Ermita’s Valley – which today is Guatemala City. Early Mayan civilization and culture began to develop around 2000 B.C., all throughout the territory that we currently know as southern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador and western Honduras. If you’re interested in the colonization of Guatemala, there are several places you might want to visit. santiago de guatemala 1541 1773 city caste and the colonial experience Oct 03, 2020 Posted By Mickey Spillane Ltd TEXT ID 670dbf5b Online PDF Ebook Epub Library find many great new used options and get the best deals for santiago de guatemala 1541 1773 city caste and the colonial experience by christopher h lutz … In the 1830s a liberal regime ruled Guatemala but in 1839 an uprising took place and a man named Rafael Carrera came to power. Experience colonial Guatemala with Mayalandia and learn about Guatemala's fascinating colonial history! It’s generally recognized that humans passed through the region around 12,000 years … It was until 1527 that the Spanish could firmly established themselves in Guatemala. However, their alliance didn’t last long and the foreign troops were forced to settle elsewhere. The city also functions as Guatemala's main transportation hub, hosting an international airport, La Aurora International Airport, and serving as the origination or end points for most of Guatemala's major highways.The city, … Guatemala gained independence from Spain on September 15, 1821. Alvarado’s troops met determined opposition from a Nahua tribe, the Pipil, that occupied much of the region west of the Lempa … Whether or not people actually were in Guatemala that long ago is disputed. The History of Belize dates back thousands of years. Antigua served for more than 200 years as one of the most important Spanish colonies – while simultaneously the Mayan culture started fading away. La Antigua Guatemala. The long narrow strip of central America, known in its entirety to the Spanish as Guatemala, is among the earliest of colonial conquests on the mainland. This style of settlement can still be … A service patio with a pila and a kitchen with an open fireplace under a large chimney was located behind the general living area. Nothing new for the Maya – probably an advantage for the Spanish! The Maya civilization was at its height from around 250 AD to 900 AD in what was called the Classic Period. However the liberals took po… Antigua was destroyed by two earthquakes in 1773. Several Maya ruin sites, including Cahal Pech, Caracol, Lamanai, Lubaantun, Altun Ha, and Xunantunich reflect the advanced civilization and much denser … He made an ally of the Kaqchikel and warred upon the K’iche, whom he defeated in 1524. Guatemala is turned into a Spanish colony. In the 1890s, the United States began to implement the Monroe Doctrine, pushing out European colonial powersand establishing U.S. hegemony over resources and labor in Latin American nations. However, Alvarado and his small army came well-armed with weapons that were unknown to the Maya - fire guns, metal swords and horses! The video describes characteristics of the the three main groups of the 13 colonies: New England, Middle and Southern. Guatemala has a rich and distinctive culture from the long mix of elements from Spain and the native Maya people. While Spanish is the official language and the one that’s … Guatemala had bad luck with provincial capitals. The study is to be recommended as an important and original contribution to Maya studies, … Nevertheless, the approach to this native group was quite different. Even so, the Colonial Period (1492-1810) stands out as being the era that did the most to shape what Latin America is today. Pedro de Alvarado, a leading member of Cortés' small party in the conquest of Mexico (1519-21), is sent south in 1523 to subdue the smaller area now known as Guatemala. Hi there, we use cookies to improve your experience on our website. At the end of the 19th century numerous German immigrants came to Guatemala and planted large areas with coffee for exportation. Pedro de Alvarado, a leading member of Cortés' small party in the conquest of Mexico (1519-21), is sent south in … He is a former head writer at VIVA Travel Guides. Guatemala gained independence in 1821 as part of the Federal Republic of Central America, which dissolved by 1841. Another good stop is the National History Museum in Guatemala City, which has a collection of objects reflecting the economy, society and culture of the country since 1821. The descent towards war began in 1954, when the CIA helped overthrow a democratically-elected, left-leaning government led by Jacobo Arbenz. There are six things you need to know about the Colonial Era. Our Time is Now: Race and Modernity in Postcolonial Guatemala (Cambridge University Press, 2020) is an ambitious exploration of modernity, history, and time in post-colonial Guatemala. By using ThoughtCo, you accept our, Biography of Bartolomé de Las Casas, Spanish Colonist, The Mayan Conquest of the K'iche by Pedro de Alvarado, The History of the City of Antigua, Guatemala, Biography of Pedro de Alvarado, Conquistador, 10 Myths About Spanish and the People Who Speak It, Spain's American Colonies and the Encomienda System, Consequences of the Conquest of the Aztecs. Written by admin on 7 September, 2018.Posted in Regiones. At the time this part of the continent was discovered by the Spanish, most of the big Mayan cities were abandoned and the remaining native tribes were in constant war. Spanish Colonization Antigua Colonial Towns New World Conquistadores Mayan Tribes Alliances Cultural Fusion. By Tim Lambert. Prior to the arrival of the Spanish in Guatemala and subsequent colonial rule, Guatemalan written literature was sparse. Some the earliest works included a collection of Mayan stories and legends called the Popol Vuh. A BRIEF HISTORY OF GUATEMALA. Most historical studies by Archaeologists break the pre-Columbian period into three significant divisions: the Pre-Classic from 2,000BCE to 250CE, the Classic from 250CE to 900CE, and the Post-Classic from 900CE to 1500CE. Pedro de Alvarado, a leading member of Cortés' small party in the conquest of Mexico (1519-21), is sent south in 1523 to subdue the smaller area now known as Guatemala. Survivors founded Antigua, the second capital, in 1543. In 1950 Guatemala hosted the Central American … Guatemala is a country rich in culture influenced by the Maya. The Spaniards theoretically were responsible for the religious education of the natives, who in return would work the land. Colonial History of Guatemala. The dictators that ruled Guatemala during the late 19th and early 20th century were generally very accommodating to U.S. business and political interests; thus, unlike other Latin American nations such as Haiti, Nicaragua and Cuba the U.S. did not have to use overt military force to maintain dominance in G… La Antigua Guatemala is among the best preserved colonial cities in the world. RE/MAX Colonial is a real estate brokerage firm, specializing in selling and renting property in Antigua Guatemala and its surroundings. Guatemala has some 257,000 internally displaced citizens, more than 100,000 yearly migrants and some of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in … The resistance from the Maya lead to a brutal fight until Alvarado betrayed the K’iche lords and burned them to death. The fact that the oldest surviving book from the Americas is currently housed in a German museum plays testament to a post-colonial history of European domination. The grid-like streets of Antigua were inspired by the Italian … Guatemala is the living testimony of a cultural blend. History The largest single element in the colonial population consisted of native Mayas, but transatlantic contact … During Spanish rule, literature flourished in the country. On or near the central plaza, several of the principal buildings of the colonial capital still serve public functions; and scattered throughout the city are numerous ruins of religious structures and rebuilt private … Antigua Guatemala was once the third most important Spanish colony in the Americas. The Spanish Colonization left a strong trace in the country - not only cultural, but also physical. The colonial period in Guatemalan history is customarily dated from 1524 to 1821. Guatemala’s state corruption and the heirs of colonial privilege. History Slavery. They were organized in different city-states and this hampered the colonization process. It is among the earliest of colonial conquests on the mainland. The first, founded in the ruined city of Iximche, had to be abandoned due to persistent native uprisings, and the second, Santiago de los Caballeros, was destroyed by a mudslide. The survivors were forced to seek out a safer place. La Antigua Guatemala. Christopher Minster, Ph.D., is a professor at the ​Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador. El Salvador - El Salvador - The colonial period: The Spanish conquest and colonization of El Salvador began in 1524 with the arrival of an expedition from Guatemala led by Pedro de Alvarado. Their achievements, again, didn’t last long. In this region we can see how modernity mixes with history, as Antigua Guatemala is an open-air museum and is architecturally beautiful. This tragic event made the K’iche kingdom step down and the Spanish were able to move forward and continue their colonization journey. The changes introduced by the liberal regime were swept away. Colonial homes included a central patio with living, dining, and sleeping rooms lined up off the surrounding corridors. With the help of their allied Mexican warriors, the Spanish crossed ravines and dense forests until they came across the first Mayan tribe – the K’iche in Quetzaltenango. The place became known as Verapaz, or “true peace,” a name it carries to this day. Conquistadores and governmental officials and bureaucrats were often awarded encomiendas, large tracts of land complete with native towns and villages. It is within this beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage-listed city that the Mudéja influenced baroque Guatemalan architecture of the Spanish is most vividly on display in its colonial churches, convents, palaces and fountains. Starting in 1954, Guatemala’s governments faced formidable guerrilla opposition that sparked civil war that lasted for 36 years until peace accords were signed in 1996. Guatemala - Guatemala - Civil war years: Castillo Armas emerged from the resulting military junta as provisional president, and a plebiscite made his status official. The Spanish reducciones created new nucleated settlements laid out in a grid pattern in the Spanish style, with a central plaza, a church and the town hall housing the civil government, known as the ayuntamiento. By the time the Spanish arrived, however, the Maya had degenerated into a number of small fortified kingdoms, the strongest of which were the K’iche and Kaqchikel in Central Guatemala. Why the Guatemalan business elites have turned against an institution tasked with upholding the rule of law. 15 min away from Guatemala city airport. The first colonial capital, Ciudad Vieja, was ruined by floods and an earthquake in 1542. Guatemala: History. If you wish to learn more about the Spanish colonial era, visit the Colonial Art Museum in Antigua Guatemala, which houses art of the 16th and 17th centuries. Pre-Columbian Period. Guatemala becomes part of the United Provinces of Central America, which includes Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. You can update your settings by clicking the ... Colonial period (1524–1821) Hendrickson, Carol. The long narrow strip of central America, known in its entirety to the Spanish as Guatemala, is among the earliest of colonial conquests on the mainland. Guatemala. By the 17th century, the encomienda system was gone, but much damage had already been done. They imposed a strong baroque-influenced architecture style and the Catholic church became present. Dr. Yamase has diligently read the relevant literature on Maya aboriginal and colonial history, and has offered innovative interpretations of key developments within that history, thus expressing a depth of scholarship that is very impressive. Colonial History of Guatemala. Baroque-style churches, thick walls, cobblestone streets and fountains are among the Colonial-time structures that can still be found in Guatemala. It broke up completely in 1840. He extirpated communist influence, quashed agrarian reform, and broke labour and peasant unions with considerable violence, but he himself was brought … Experience colonial Guatemala with Mayalandia and learn about Guatemala's fascinating colonial history! A set of regulations referred to as Burnaby’s Code was formalized in 1765 and this, with some modification, continued until … Thanks to his land reform policies designed to benefit displaced farmers at the expense of private interests such as the US-based United Fruit Company, Arbenz attracted the … After the conquest, the natives were expected to give up their culture to embrace Spanish rule and Christianity. The Spaniards had a great technological advantage over the indigenous people and by 1540 they ruled whole area. On a Guatemala trip, travelers can visit ancient ruins built by these indigenous people. Guatemala becomes independent and joins the Mexican empire a year later. Although there was no powerful central culture to contend with, such as the Incas in Peru or the Aztecs in Mexico, Guatemala was still home to the remnants of the Maya, a mighty civilization that had risen and fallen centuries before. The Maya Empire, centered in the tropical lowlands of what is now Guatemala, reached the peak of its power and influence around the … History According to some archeologists, Guatemala has the oldest recorded human history in Central America, with some evidence of human existence going back to 18,000 BC. Gift of the Devil: A History of Guatemala , 1984. It was a collection of powerful city-states who warred and traded with one another, and it stretched from Southern Mexico to Belize and Honduras. During that time, Guatemala was the most populous and most prosperous of the provinces that made up the kingdom, or audiencia, of Guatemala, a district that stretched from Chiapas in the west to Costa Rica in the east. It is a charming and magical little town that transports visitors about 300 years in history. In the early 1530s, Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas, a Dominican friar, proposed an experiment: he would pacify the natives with Christianity, not violence. This diverse history and the natural beauty of the land have created a destination rich in interesting and scenic sites. The third capital, Guatemala City, was founded in 1776. The city of Antigua is steeped in history, and there are many cathedrals, convents and other buildings that have survived since colonial times. However, before the Spanish started planting their colony, the dwellers of Guatemala were already quite developed. Eleven years after the European colonists settled, a destructive mudslide swamped the young Capital. The lands of present-day Guatemala were a special case for the Spanish who conquered and colonized them. However the union was short lived. Back in the 16 th century, the Americas were colonized by the Spanish. In 1523 Pedro de Alvarado was sent with a force of Spaniards to Guatemala. Although there was no powerful central culture to contend with, such as the Incas in Peru or the Aztecs in Mexico, Guatemala was still home to the remnants of the Maya, a mighty civilization that had risen and fallen centuries before. 22 languages are spoken in the country. Although Alvarado never returned to Guatemala, he left behind a widow named Beatriz de la Cueva. ThoughtCo uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. 1823. Guatemala became independent of Spain in 1821. La Antigua Guatemala ("The Old Guatemala") served as the capital of all Central America from 1543 until 1773, when it was destroyed by an earthquake and the … Historical Facts About the Colonization in GuatemalaIn 1524 Pedro de Alvarado came across an interesting civilization hidden in the mountainous region of Guatemala. Back in the 16th century, the Americas were colonized by the Spanish. Guatemala - Guatemala - Sports and recreation: Football (soccer) is Guatemala’s most popular sport. Many Spanish buildings are in Guatemala, and they're saved as a national monuments of Guatemala. Guatemala's colonization occurred in the 16th century, when Spanish conquistadors first arrived; the nation remained under Spanish control for several hundred years. History of Guatemala, experience the modern and ancient historic past events, people and governments of Guatemala - Lonely Planet. Lake Atitlán and the traditional villages that surround it will give you a feel for Guatemala’s Maya history – many of the people who live here are the descendants of the ancient Maya. With the two strongest kingdoms out of the way, the other, smaller ones were isolated and destroyed as well. [1] His abuses of the Kaqchikel caused them to turn on him, and he spent until 1527 stamping out various rebellions. Francisco Antonio de Fuentes y Guzmán was a colonial Guatemalan historian of Spanish descent who wrote La Recordación Florida, also called Historia de Guatemala (History of Guatemala). The Mayan ruins of Iximché and Zaculeu are also sites of major sieges and battles during the conquest. It was built in 1527, although almost nothing from the original town remains. The History Files is able to keep on doing what it does thanks to some wonderful people who have helped to cover increasing web hosting costs. However, before the Spanish started planting their colony, the dwellers of Guatemala were already quite developed. 1523. Somewhat different than the Aztecs, the Maya were not unified as an empire. It was once the third largest Spanish colony in the Americas and more than 30 monastic orders built their impressive monasteries, convents, and cathedrals in the city. Records of the Cabildo of Santiago, in Almolonga from the 1530s also mention some enslaved blacks. Later in 1773 after surviving several tremors, the former Capital was hit by a strong earthquake that destroyed several buildings and killed hundreds of people. In 1543 they  discovered Panchoy’s Valley which today is known as Antigua Guatemala. Attracted by its fertile land and beautiful landscapes, the Spanish were convinced that the valley was perfect to rebuild their Capital. The book was written in 1690 and is regarded as one of the most important works of Guatemalan history, and is the first such … From its outstanding architecture to its beautiful natural surroundings – Experience the splendors of Guatemala, a treasure hidden in Central America. The Maya civilization was at its height from around 250 AD to 900 AD in what was called the Classic … Colonial Rule in Guatemala In 1541, Alvarado died in Mexico while attempting to quell an uprising. But fear not – the intact threads of Guatemala’s extensively long history are found everywhere in the lively capital city. Handy, J. Along with two other friars, Las Casas set off and did, in fact, manage to bring Christianity to the region. The initial shock of the Spanish conquest was followed by decades of heavy exploitation of the indigenous peoples, allies and foes alike. The Colonial History of Guatemala begins with the arrival of the conquistador Pedro de Alvarado in 1524 and ends with the Guatemala's declaration of independence in 1821. The towns of Todos Santos Cuchumatán and Chichicastenango are known for their blending of Christian and native religions in their churches. 1821. The postcolonial period Following independence from Spain (1821) and Mexico (1823), Guatemala was the political centre of the United Provinces of Central America. Over the following two hundred years colonial rule gradually imposed Spanish cultural standards on the subjugated peoples. Guatemala City serves as the economic, governmental, and cultural epicenter of the nation of Guatemala. This represented a drastic change to the local cultural groups and its way of living. These remnants fought hard to preserve their culture, forcing the Spanish to come up with new techniques of pacification and control. Alvarado led fewer than 500 Spanish and a number of native Mexican allies into the region. Gift of the Devil: A History of Guatemala , 1984. It was then when they encountered another Mayan tribe – the Kaqchikel in Tecpan. Although the Inquisition was forbidden to burn native heretics at the stake, punishments could still be very severe. The first evidence of human settlers in Guatemala … A chronology of key events in the history of Guatemala, from the time it became a Spanish colony in 1524 You can even visit Maximón in various towns, mostly in the Lake Atitlán region. It was annexed by Mexico for a short time but in 1823 Guatemala became part of the United Provinces of Central America with Nicaragua, El Salvador, Costa Rica and Honduras. In Guatemala, however, many aspects of native religion survived by going underground, and today some natives practice an odd mishmash of Catholic and traditional faith. The new tribe sided with the Spanish allowing them to set base in their Capital known as Iximche. The lands of present-day Guatemala were a special case for the Spanish who conquered and colonized them. Handy, J. The History of Modern Belize shows that settlers governed themselves under a system of basic democracy formally called the Public Meeting. Timeline: Guatemala . Go see Guatemala’s first capital, Ciudad Vieja, just a few miles from Antigua. The first Afro-Guatemalan arrived in Guatemala in 1524 with Pedro de Alvarado (the “Conqueror of Guatemala”). The present-day city of Antigua was then founded, but even it suffered major earthquakes late in the colonial period. Learn more about the intriguing history of this country and the culture that has evolved through ancient times up until today. Within Guatemala: to1821: Within the Spanish empire the long narrow strip of central America is known as Guatemala. Capital: Guatemala Population: 17,581,472 Brief History of Guatemala: Guatemala was home to the ancient civilization of the Maya.This was a powerful and advanced civilization that built many pyramids that we can still visit today. … With a population of 13 million people, Guatemala is the second most populated country in Central America (after El Salvador). Our mission is to assist clients in buying, selling or renting real estate through a personalized, high quality service. Hendrickson, Carol. The Maya civilization spread into the area of Belize between 1500 BC to 1200 BC and flourished until about 1000 AD. The United Kingdom conquered the territory of present-day Nigeria, except for the section of former German-controlled Kamerun in several … Whether or not people actually were in Guatemala that long ago is disputed. This year, as the History Files is a non-profit site, it still needs your help. It brought new prosperity to those of Spanish blood (creoles) and even worse conditions for those of Mayan descent. A good example is Maximón, a native spirit that was sort of Christianized and is still around today. Ciudad Vieja was located on the foothills of the majestic Agua Volcano, therefore, it was not the safest spot. Huge tracts of Mayan land were stolen for the cultivation of tobacco and sugar … Guatemala Background. ... Central American Colonial Settlements : Kingdom of Guatemala Guatemala is the living testimony of a cultural blend. After gaining independence from Spain in the 1820s, Guatemala had a long history of government by authoritarian rule and military regimes until it came under democratic rule in 1985. Most of the country was conquered by the Spanish in the 16th century, becoming part of New Spain. Exploring Guatemala feels like you are traveling back in time. More than 30 monastic orders called Antigua home and built stunning monasteries, convents and … The city of Antigua, the capital of Sacatepéquez Province, Guatemala, is a charming old colonial city that for many years was the political, religious and economic heart of Central America.After being destroyed by a series of earthquakes in 1773, the city was abandoned in favor of what is now Guatemala City, although not everyone left. The Capital began to acquire Spanish characteristics in their structures and became the base for manufacturers supplying arms. The city of Antigua, the capital of Sacatepéquez Province, Guatemala, is a charming old colonial city that for many years was the political, religious and economic heart of Central America.After being destroyed by a series of earthquakes in 1773, the city was abandoned in favor of what is now Guatemala City, although … The earliest Maya civilizations began to emerge in the highlands of Guatemala by as early as 2000 BC. All aspects make Guatemala a culturally-rich country, with recent developments seeing the nation grow on the world stage. Each and every period of its history is crucial in some way to understanding the present-day character of the land. The country, however, had a rich tradition of oral literature. Colonial homes included a central patio with living, dining, and sleeping rooms lined up off the surrounding corridors. The Maya and Colonial History of Guatemala: Historia de los indios de la Nueva España: by Toribio de Motolinia (Paperback - May 1998) This Spanish monk accompanied Cortez at his conquest of Mexico and wrote down his experiences. One region still held out: the cloudy, misty, north-central highlands of modern-day Guatemala. While the Spanish established their capital at Villa de Santiago de Guatemala(now Tecpan) near Iximche in 1524, Kaqchikel raids on the city resulted in it being moved to Ciudad Vieja in 1527, then on to Antigua in 1541. This ancient civilization inhabited the Americas around 5,000 years ago! History Pre-Columbian . According to some archeologists, Guatemala has the oldest recorded human history in Central America, with some evidence of human existence going back to 18,000 BC. GUATEMALA, MODERN AND COLONIAL. They built their first Colonial City, today known as Ciudad Vieja. Colonial History of Nigeria Nigeria came under the colonial rule of the British (United Kingdom) during the second half of the 19th century and the first decade of the 20th century. Together with them, several pre-hispanic cultural groups developed themselves in the region known as Mesoamerica. The Maya Civilization peaked around 800 and fell into decline shortly thereafter. The conquest of the Maya was led by Pedro de Alvarado, one of the top lieutenants of Hernán Cortés, and a veteran of the conquest of Mexico. It was written in the Quiché language in the 16th century to preserve Mayan tradit… Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), © enjoyguatemala.com — All rights reserved 2020 |. Unfortunately, once the region was brought under Spanish control, unscrupulous colonists raided it for enslaved people and land, undoing just about everything Las Casas had accomplished. The Maya were builders, astronomers, and philosophers with a rich culture. Colonial History of Guatemala. Spanish Guatemala. The capital's successor city, Antigua Guatemala, was founded soon after and was destroyed by two earthquakes in 1773. Weaving Identities: Construction of Dress and Self in a Highland Guatemalan Town , 1995. Antigua Guatemala is noted chiefly for the ruins of colonial edifices that make it a museum of Spanish colonial history. The region of Guatemala was a large and important state under the control of the Viceroy of New Spain (Mexico) until the time of independence. The devastating event left the big City in ruins and the population was forced to relocate once again. Guatemala’s history can be divided into three main time periods: pre-Columbian Mayan civilization, the Spanish conquest and the colonial era, and independence.