Tzintzuntzan Archaeological Zone (Las Yácatas)
Tzintzuntzan · Las Yácatas
Late Postclassic 1350–1530 CE·Purépecha (Tarascan)·🇲🇽 Michoacán, Mexico
About
About Tzintzuntzan Archaeological Zone (Las Yácatas)
Purépecha (Tarascan) imperial capital: five yácatas 40 m diameter on 425 m platform above Lake Pátzcuaro, only polity to defeat Aztecs, 1350–1530 CE, bronze metallurgy.
This entry is brief — help us grow it. Suggest a source or correction.
Why it mattersArchaeological landmark for Purépecha (Tarascan) in Michoacán; type-site demonstrating imperial platform city with yácatas and regional exchange.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Function and chronology of Tzintzuntzan Archaeological Zone (Las Yácatas) within Late Postclassic 1350–1530 CE
- 02Relationship to neighboring polities
Theories
- 01Purépecha (Tarascan) ceremonial center for imperial platform city with yácatas
- 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.1350–1530 CE
- Period
- Late Postclassic 1350–1530 CE
- Culture
- Purépecha (Tarascan)
- Builders
- Purépecha
- Purpose
- Imperial platform city with yácatas
- Abandoned
- c.1530 CE
- Rediscovered
- 1930s Alfonso Caso
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c.1350–1530 CE
Tzintzuntzan Archaeological Zone (Las Yácatas) construction phase
20th century
Modern excavations
On the ground
Structures & features
19.6242° N · 101.5736° W · 2050 m · 2 mapped features
Tzintzuntzan Archaeological Zone (Las Yácatas) central feature
featureMain architectural feature
19.6242° N · 101.5736° WTzintzuntzan Archaeological Zone (Las Yácatas) secondary sector
sectorSecondary sector
19.6252° N · 101.5726° W
Gallery