La Venta Pyramid Mound C-1 Terrace
Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent·Old Kingdom·🇲🇽 Tabasco, La Venta, Mexico
About
About La Venta Pyramid Mound C-1 Terrace
La Venta Pyramid Mound C-1 Terrace in Tabasco, La Venta, Mexico is a Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent pyramid attributed to Old Kingdom. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal base 95 × 95 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 18.1030N -94.0360E controls access to Tabasco resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey pyramid for Tabasco, La Venta, illustrating Old Kingdom construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Construction logistics and labour organisation
- 02Astronomical orientation method
Theories
- 01Royal tomb with cult temple axis
- 02Experimental step before true pyramid
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. 2600–2500 BCE
- Period
- Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent
- Culture
- Old Kingdom
- Purpose
- Royal tomb and ceremonial platform embodying cosmology
- Rediscovered
- 1963 survey
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 2600–2500 BCE
Initial construction of La Venta Pyramid Mound C-1 Terrace main structure
c. 1943
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
2003–2018
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at La Venta Pyramid Mound C-1 Terrace) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
18.1030° N · 94.0360° W · 381 m · 3 mapped features
La Venta Pyramid Mound C-1 Terrace — Main Structure
structurePrincipal pyramid — Base 95 × 95 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
18.1038° N · 94.0351° WLa Venta Pyramid Mound C-1 Terrace — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
18.1020° N · 94.0367° WLa Venta Pyramid Mound C-1 Terrace — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
18.1045° N · 94.0348° W