Spaniards in the Nahua City of Xochimilco: Colonial Society and Cultural Change in Central Mexico, 1650–1725

A pivotal transition in colonial society occurred in Xochimilco, Mexico, by 1650, marking the end of Nahua dynastic rule. Don Martín Cerón y Alvarado, a noble and governor of Xochimilco, was the last to hold the title of tlatoani, signaling the erosion of indigenous authority under Spanish colonial influence. The study analyzes his codicil and will—written in Nahuatl—to reveal cultural shifts during this period (1650–1725). By examining legal documents, it demonstrates how Spanish municipal reforms and demographic changes reshaped Xochimilco's social hierarchy, eroding indigenous governance while preserving elements of its pre-colonial identity. This research highlights the complex interplay between colonial policies and local traditions in a UNESCO-listed site renowned for its agricultural significance.

Conway, R. (2014). Spaniards in the Nahua City of Xochimilco: Colonial Society and Cultural Change in Central Mexico, 1650–1725. The Americas, 71(1), 9–35. https://doi.org/10.1353/tam.2014.0077