La Quemada Archaeological Zone
La Quemada / Chicomóztoc · La Quemada · Chicomóztoc
Classic–Epiclassic 350–900 CE·Northern Mesoamerican frontier·🇲🇽 Zacatecas, Mexico
About
About La Quemada Archaeological Zone
Northern frontier hill fortress 800 m terraced with Salón de las Columnas 41 m hall with 11 columns and Ciudadela, northernmost Mesoamerican city 350–900 CE, candidate Chicomóztoc.
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Why it mattersArchaeological landmark for Northern Mesoamerican frontier in Zacatecas; type-site demonstrating fortress citadel with columned hall and regional exchange.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Function and chronology of La Quemada Archaeological Zone within Classic–Epiclassic 350–900 CE
- 02Relationship to neighboring polities
Theories
- 01Northern Mesoamerican frontier ceremonial center for fortress citadel with columned hall
- 02Regional capital controlling trade and tribute network
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.350–900 CE
- Period
- Classic–Epiclassic 350–900 CE
- Culture
- Northern Mesoamerican frontier
- Builders
- Northern frontier builders
- Purpose
- Fortress citadel with columned hall
- Abandoned
- c.900 CE
- Rediscovered
- 1615 Torquemada
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c.350–900 CE
La Quemada Archaeological Zone construction phase
20th century
Modern excavations
On the ground
Structures & features
22.4558° N · 102.8214° W · 2420 m · 2 mapped features
La Quemada Archaeological Zone central feature
featureMain architectural feature
22.4558° N · 102.8214° WLa Quemada Archaeological Zone secondary sector
sectorSecondary sector
22.4568° N · 102.8204° W
Gallery