Pre-Columbian It is presumed that Chichigalpa's first inhabitants arrived from the north. While their civilizations were not as advanced as those of the Aztecs and the Incans, they arrived at Chichigalpa due to a
forced migration instituted by the Aztecs on weaker tribes. Of
Toltec origin, the native people of Chichigalpa were presumed to be part of the Kingdom (Monexicado) of
Chinandega and
Tezoatega hence its name in nahuat
nawat. Initially, it was presumed that the town's name was linked to the nahuat term "chichiwal," which means breast, due to the volcano's shape resembling a breast. However, upon analyzing the town's linguistics, it became apparent that Chichigalpa was derived from the beautiful Chichigalpa river that flows through the city. In pre-colonial times, the river was utilized for washing clothes, bathing, and other purposes, which often made the water appear murky or "chichic" (meaning fermented or sour) due to the soap's cloudiness. "The fermented river" or "Chichicapan" gave the city its name.
Colonial Period ==Geography==