Merida History, Mexico

The city of Mérida came into being due to the efforts of a family from Spain although it was the son of that family who took all the credit for forming the city of Mérida. The 3 Conquistadors from Spain were Francisco de Montejo (who was 'El Adelantadowho' of the family which in English means 'the father'), Francisco de Montejo y León (who was 'el Mozo' of the family which in English means 'the son'), Francisco de Montejo (who was 'el sobrino’ which in English means 'the nephew'). It was the year 1542 when the son of this family Francisco de Montejo laid the foundation for this famous city of Mérida.

The sight chosen was the place where the famous Mayan City Tiho used to reside. This Mayan city was also famous by the name of Ichcaanzihó or also by the name of the city of the five hills which referred to five different hills of this city. This city had been an important one as it was the hub of Mayan Culture for many centuries. It is due to this location that many historians judge the city of Mérida as an already occupied city by the Americas.

Many historical stones that were actually part of this city of Tiho were used to build the monuments under the Spanish control. The presence of these stones in different Spanish monuments can be proved as the carved Mayan stones are clearly visible in different historical monuments like the Cathedral of Mérida. Many of the monuments that were part of Mérida Colonial history are still part of the city. These monuments were built in the 18th and the 19th centuries.

During the 19th century the city of Mérida was walled totally so as to protect the inhabitants from the attacks of surrounding Mayan inhabitants. Although most of the gates of this wall are still present, the city has expanded a lot farther than those historical boundary walls.

Soon the economical conditions of Mérida improved and many times the city was tagged as the city which has the most Millionaires when compared to any other city on this planet. Although this was just a media generated statement, it did increase the importance of the city under the eyes of many businessmen.

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