Merida History

It took more than 20 years for the Spanish conquistador Francisco Montejo and his son to seize Merida. Today's Merida was once the Mayan city of T'ho (meaning five hills, in reference to five Pyramids found in the town) before the Spanish arrival in 1542.

The Plaza Grande in the centre of Merida City was once the religious centre of the old Mayan city, with many of the buildings of this historic centre composed of the stones taken from the old pyramids.

As a result of bad treatment the Maya initiated many revolts towards the Spanish, one of which, the Caste War lasted for around 60 years until the year 1901. During this war, the walled city of Merida was under siege by a Mayan force and about to be evacuated, though two incidents saved the cities fall.

One was that the Maya didn't know the city was about to fall and at sighting some flying ants, left to plant their crops, as this was the indication that it was time. The other was that the Mexican Army was called in for help. Before this the Yucatan was a self governing separate colony.

A plant called henequen or sisal which can be processed into fibers for fabrics was found to be plentiful in the area, and exports around the world made the hacienda owners of the Yucatan very rich. This today can be noted in the grand mansions found on the Paseo de Montejo.

As a result of the Yucatan's isolation from the rest of Mexico and the contact with Europe and New Orleans through its exports, Merida was heavily influenced culturally by these areas rather than that of other places in Mexico. This has lead to a certain uniqueness of the area.