De mendicantes a dueños de la tierra. La conformación socioeconómica del priorato dominico de Socoltenango, Chiapas, 1645-1705

This article analyzes the social and economic strategies undertaken by the Dominicans in the priory of Socoltenango, Chiapas, between 1645 and 1705. The starting point is the administrative rearrangement that caused the disappearance of the vicari-ate of Copanaguastla, as well as a series of phenomena that contributed to the tragedy and prosperity of this territory, particularly, the wealth accumulated by the Domini-cans of the parish of Socoltenango to the detriment of the misfortune that afflicted the Indian villages; likewise, the business, conflicts and alliances with the Spaniards and Indians. Through the analysis of the documentation regarding lands, sugar mills and chaplaincies, the regional approach and the parish economy allow us to appreciate the different experiences and strategies within the same space characterized by diverse ecological niches. In this way, the colonization of the territory and the history of land tenure in the priory of Socoltenango are examined.