The book Deadly Country by José Ángel Koyoc Kú, blending historical narrative with vivid illustrations, will be presented on April 10 at 6:00 PM at the Museum of Mayan Architecture, Baluarte de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, Campeche. This event marks the 40th anniversary of the National Institute of Anthropology and History’s (INAH) representative office in Campeche.
In the early 1840s, the state of Yucatán, encompassing the entire peninsula, declared independence from the Mexican central government. This led to an armed conflict between 1842 and 1843. Yucatecans leveraged their environmental knowledge as a combat strategy, with many casualties among their adversaries—soldiers from colder regions like Zacatecas, Jalisco, the State of Mexico, and Oaxaca—resulting from diseases caused by mosquito and insect bites.
Deadly Country (Capulín, 2025) comprises 11 chapters and features illustrations by Miguel Matos. It captures key moments of the conflict, including improvised trenches, repurposed churches as shelters, and other emblematic scenes.
The presentation will include insights from the author about his research process. Joining him will be Adriana Velázquez Morlet, archaeologist and director of the INAH Campeche Center, and independent researcher Juan Manuel Uc, who will share their perspectives on the book’s significance in contemporary literature.
José Ángel Koyoc has been instrumental in promoting the cultural identity of the Yucatán Peninsula and amplifying the voices of southeastern Mexico. His work has been featured in conferences and discussions at institutions such as the National Institute of Historical Studies of the Revolutions in Mexico and the Institute of Culture of Yucatán.
This free event invites the public to explore a pivotal chapter in Yucatán’s history through a compelling fusion of storytelling and art.
Source: INAH
