What ancient civilization was Michoac�n, Mexico a part of?

The Tarascans of Michoac�n have always called themselves P'urh�pecha. However, early in the 16th century, when the Spaniards arrived to what is known now as Mexico, they gave the Purh�pecha a name from their own language. The name of these Indians, Tarascos, was derived from the native word tarascu�, meaning 'brother-in-law'. According to Fray (Friar) Mart�n Coru�a, it was a term the natives used derogatively for the Spaniards. The Spaniards mistakenly took it up to name them and now the Spanish word Tarasco (and its English equivalent, Tarascan) is commonly used today to describe the Indians who are really named P'urh�pecha.