Guatemala: A country under construction for more than six centuries
Guatemala has gone from colonial times, to internal conflicts and internal conflicts, to the democracy of independence today.
Guatemala is “the country of eternal spring” for its current inhabitants, despite the struggles that many experience on a daily basis. Throughout its history, Guatemala has had to overcome strong and painful battles that have marked the history of its land and its Central American neighbors.
The first records of life in Guatemalan territory date back to the Mayans, a culture that determines a large part of the identity of the ‘chapínes’, as the indigenous people of the current Republic of Guatemala are known.
The first signs of life were found in the Petén area and date back to 6,500 years BC. Most of the archaeological finds date from 3000 to 2500 BC. C. and belong to the large number of indigenous settlements.
As depicted in the rather accurate historical movie “Apocalypto”, the Maya lived in small colonies and shared daily chores to survive in the world around them. Even today, despite Western influence, indigenous peoples maintain the same behavior for food, shelter and entertainment.
conquest and independence
Pedro de Alvarado, the Spanish conquistador, was designated to enter Guatemalan lands and chose to do so through the Pacific. His brilliant idea was to convince the Cakchiquels to fight alongside him and his troops against the K’iche’. As the story goes, the Indian chieftain and now national hero Tecum Uman was the only one capable of settling the differences between indigenous peoples who faced old grudges.
The Spanish army was more powerful and after many bloody battles, they were able to control the Indians. The last key town to fall under rule was the heart of the Itza Maya: the city of Tayasal.
An important starting point for Guatemala was the battle for independence in the 19th century. On September 15, 1821, Guatemala gained its independence from Spain and indirectly liberated several of its Central American neighbors. Even today, this date is a reason for great celebration and memory for those who fought.
The country of the four capitals
Throughout its rich history, Guatemala has moved its capital several times. It all started with the arrival of the Spanish, who after their first victories established the first capital in a place called Iximché. This city did not last long as the capital of the nascent country due to the constant battles with the Indians. The Spanish then moved into the Almolonga Valley, this time led by Jorge de Alvarado (Pedro’s brother). A storm of epic proportions destroyed the city and the Indians said it was a divine punishment. Pedro de Alvarado died trying to save himself and his wife did so shortly after.
The capital was then located in the Panchoy Valley and remained there for two centuries. A series of strong earthquakes left architectural structures in a terrible state and a new change was decided. Today, the town is known as Antigua Guatemala and is an unmissable tourist destination. In 1777, amid protests and the intention of many people not to move, Guatemala de la Asunción was founded in the Valley of the Virgin.
Today, the capital is one of the most modern and thriving in Central America, with contrasting high-tech centers and the charm of a population with indigenous features. A past rich in history, a present that drives the region’s economy and a promising future. All this, despite the sociopolitical problems that still afflict the country.