Aztlan, Cibola and Frontier New Spain

General Overview This reading assignment explores the evolving image of the Southwest region from the sixteenth century through the eighteenth century through eyes and imaginations of Spanish explorers, settlers and colonial government. Included in this image is the influence of the indigenous through their myths and legends, sometimes merged with the Spanish mythic and European influence.

Aztlan The Aztec “edenic homeland”--the Aztec image 1. Uto-Aztecan links: linguistic connection to the Southwest cultures and languages 2. Cultural and mythic origin links to indigenous southwestern people 3. Religious similarities 4. Agricultural traditions and material culture

Cibola Represents the post-conquest mythic image projected to the frontier zones that indicates dual influences: Indigenous and European, dual objectives: edenic paradise and the millenial kingdom A. Aztlan: Nuno de Guzman (1530) B. Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca ( ) C. Chicomoztoc: Nadal/Asuncion D. Cibola: Fray Marcos de Niza E. Quivira: Francisco Vazquez de Coronado ( F. Trestetaztlan G. California: Ordonez de Montalvo

Frontier New Spain Early seventeenth century settlement of the region beginning with Juan de Onate in New Mexico, New Mexico: settlement and occupation of the northern region--buffer zone, underdevelopment B. Pimeria Alta: (Az. Sonora and Baja Ca,) 1700 C. Coahuila y Tejas: 1763, the French threat D. California: 1769, “el rincon del mundo”