Teotenango
Tetepetl Teotenango
Epiclassic–Postclassic 900–1521 CE·Matlatzinca (Otomanguean)·🇲🇽 México State, Tenango del Valle, Mexico
About
About Teotenango
Matlatzinca fortified hill city on Tetépetl volcano plug (900–1550 CE): 250 Ha walled city 2 km wall, four sectors, jaguar relief, ballcourt, sauna and Aztec conquest calli barrack built by Axayacatl 1474. Matlatzinca 10,000 inhabitants resist Tarascan and Aztec, languages Matlatzinca-Otomí-Mazahua. Piña Chán excavated 30 structures, INAH site museum Art of the Matlatzinca.
Why it mattersOnly preserved Matlatzinca capital; proves Otopame highland urbanism contemporary to Tula and Aztec.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Why twin walls on north saddle
- 02Jaguar relief solar association
Theories
- 01Volcano as Chicomoztoc cave sanctuary
- 02Aztec calli as foreign garrison barrio
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.900–1200 CE; Aztec conquest 1474
- Period
- Epiclassic–Postclassic 900–1521 CE
- Culture
- Matlatzinca (Otomanguean)
- Builders
- Matlatzinca
- Purpose
- Fortified hill city, war capital and salt-mat trade hub
- Abandoned
- c.1550 after congregación to valley Tenango
- Rediscovered
- 1930s Piña Chán excavations; park 1972
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
900
Initial hilltop occupation
1474
Aztec Axayacatl conquers; builds calli barracks
On the ground
Structures & features
19.1039° N · 99.5928° W · 2700 m · 2 mapped features
Fortified Perimeter Wall
wall2 km wall 5 m high around volcano plug summit
19.1045° N · 99.5930° WAztec Calli Barracks
structure1474 Aztec-style barracks with jaguar relief panel
19.1035° N · 99.5920° W
Gallery