Coatetelco
Zona Arqueológica Coatetelco · Cuatetelco (Nahuatl)
Late Postclassic (Aztec)·Aztec (Tlahuica)·🇲🇽 Morelos, Mexico
About
About Coatetelco
Late Postclassic lakeshore temple center (c.1200–1521 CE) on Lake Coatetelco island shore, with Cuauhtlitzin temple pyramid 8 m high on platform 10 m, ballcourt, and concentric site plan reflecting Tlahuica–Aztec lake adaptation. Excavated by Raúl Arana 1970s and by INAH; produced Aztec III polychrome, obsidian eccentrics, and lake-resource iconography with Ehecatl (wind god) sculpture. Small but pristine Aztec provincial lakeside temple contrasting Morelos valley capitals; lagoon causeway.
Why it mattersPristine lake-temple model for Aztec provincial hydraulic ritual landscapes at 980 m.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Causeway function — processional vs defensive vs hydraulic
Theories
- 01Coatetelco as Ehecatl wind-lake shrine linked to Lake Coatetelco water cult
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.1200–1521 CE
- Period
- Late Postclassic (Aztec)
- Culture
- Aztec (Tlahuica)
- Builders
- Tlahuica (Aztec tributary)
- Purpose
- Lakeside temple-pyramid center and lake resource ritual node
- Abandoned
- 1521 CE
- Rediscovered
- INAH 1970s
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
On the ground
Structures & features
18.7350° N · 99.3320° W · 980 m · 2 mapped features
Cuauhtlitzin pyramid
pyramid8 m high temple pyramid on 10 m platform island shore, summit shrine
18.7355° N · 99.3320° WLagoon causeway and ballcourt
earthworkCauseway to island and adjacent I-shaped ballcourt east of pyramid
18.7345° N · 99.3315° W
Gallery