Tres Zapotes
Tres Zapotes Archaeological Site · Stela C site
Formative to Classic 1500 BCE–400 CE (Olmec 1500–400 BCE, Epi-Olmec 400 BCE–400 CE with Long Count)·Olmec → Epi-Olmec / Izapan (post-Olmec; nexus to early Maya Long Count)·🇲🇽 Veracruz, Mexico
About
About Tres Zapotes
Long-lived Olmec termination and epi-Olmec center bridging Formative to Classic (1500 BCE–400 CE, Long Count Stela C 32 BCE = second-oldest Long Count date in Mesoamerica after Chiapa de Corzo): 2 colossal heads, Stela C long-count 7.16.6.16.18 (32 BCE), Stela A and Stela D inverted position indicating post-Olmec Epi-Olmec Izapan-phase stela cult (300 BCE–400 CE). 160 mounds over 35 ha including Ranchoapan urban tract. Demonstrates Olmec-to-Izapa transition and invention of Long Count anchor used at later Maya. Matthew Stirling 1938–39 rediscovered Stela C then misdated.
Why it mattersStela C provides anchor for entire Mesoamerican Long Count correlation (7.16.6.16.18 = 32 BCE) linking Olmec to Maya timekeeping.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Whether Stela C 32 BCE indicates continuous Olmec–Maya calendar continuity vs Epi-Olmec independent invention
- 02Why Tres Zapotes heads smaller and cruder if longest occupation – devolution?
Theories
- 01Epi-Olmec script here as earliest logosyllabic writing in Mesoamerica before Maya full decipherment
- 02Tres Zapotes as refuge of Olmec elite after La Venta 400 BCE abandonment re-founding Post-Olmec hybrid
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.1500 BCE settlement; Stela C monument 32 BCE; Group C pyramids 400 BCE–300 CE
- Period
- Formative to Classic 1500 BCE–400 CE (Olmec 1500–400 BCE, Epi-Olmec 400 BCE–400 CE with Long Count)
- Culture
- Olmec → Epi-Olmec / Izapan (post-Olmec; nexus to early Maya Long Count)
- Purpose
- Olmec successor capital and Long Count temporal innovation center
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c.1500 BCE settlement; Stela C monument 32 BCE; Group C pyramids 400 BCE–300 CE
Initial construction
c. 1193 CE
Rediscovery
On the ground
Structures & features
18.4667° N · 95.4333° W · 35 m · 3 mapped features
Stela C (Long Count 7.16.6.16.18)
stelaSecond-oldest Long Count stela 32 BCE
18.4670° N · 95.4330° WColossal Head 1
megalithBasalt head 1.47 m high, closed eyes
18.4665° N · 95.4340° WPlaza Group (A/C)
plazaEarthen plaza pyramid group
18.4660° N · 95.4338° W
Gallery