The Pipils are an indigenous people of the area of El Salvador.

According to the evidence encountered in the ruins of Chalchuapa and Tazumal, the civilization pre-dates the times of Christopher Columbus to about 1500 BC.

The word pipil in the Nahua language signifies "Noble" or "Lord". It comes from the root of the Toltec civilization.

Evidence provided to us by archaeologists, mythologists, historians and tradition passed down to us, indicates the idea that this people came to what now is El Salvador just after the fall of the Tala Empire.

There are several branches of the Pipils:

  • The Cuzcalecos, that had their capital in Cuzcatlan, located in the Villa de Antiguo Cuzcatlan in the area of today's capital San Salvador.
  • The Izalcos, that produced cacao.
  • The Nonualcos, that were known by their capacity for war.
  • The Mazahuas, that were known as keepers of white tail deer.

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