 Cuernavaca
was always known for its mild climate and fantastic scenery. Its
original name was 'Cuaunahuac' which meant 'among the trees'.
The original inhabitants of this area were the Tlahuicas who settled
there in the 10th century. The pyramids and temples at Teopanzalco
were built by this culture. The Tlahuicas, were later followed
by the Aztecs who settled down in Cuernavaca in large numbers.
Please note
that additional info (prices, activities, etc) are found to the
right of this pages. 
 In
1519 the Spanish arrived and destroyed the Aztec empire. After
the conquest of Mexico City, Cortez came to Cuaunahuac and changed
its name to ‘Cuernavaca’. He built a palace in the
city center, which stands even today. Cortez took over all of
the state of Morelos. With new products and methods used in agriculture
the Spaniards thrived on the richness of the produce, which were
exported. Cuernavaca and the State of Morelos thrived under the
Spanish for 290 years. The church made every effort to convert
the Indians to Christianity. The natives mixed with the Spaniards,
which gave birth to a new race, the Mexicans. Part Spanish and
part Indian, they were called Mestizos. They grew in number and
economic importance but were excluded from all government posts,
as were the Creoles or Spaniards born in Mexico. All Appointments
were reserved for Spaniards born in Spain. This situation developed
slowly over the centuries but finally the native born population
arose to drive out the Spaniards and take over their own lands.
The War of Independence started in 1810 with the Cry of Dolores.
A Creole priest named Father Miguel Hidalgo rang his church bells
in the town of Dolores and shouted, " Long live the liberty
of all the Americas." The populace rose up and, after a protracted
war the Spaniards were forced to withdraw in 1821.
 The
Spanish were finally thrown out of Mexico only to be taken over
by the French. Napoleon appointed a governor named Maximilian
to run Mexico and Maximilian chose none other than beautiful Cuernavaca
as the location for his country estate where the natural springs
made both a healthy and warm retreat during the winter months.
Today Cuernavaca is a city of over one million
people and is the single most luxurious retreat for the wealthy
and powerful of Mexico.
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