Xochicalco Archaeological Zone
Xochicalco
Epiclassic 650–900 CE·Epiclassic central Mexican·🇲🇽 Morelos, Mexico
About
About Xochicalco Archaeological Zone
Fortified hilltop city with Pyramid of Plumed Serpents (Maya seated figures) and zenith observatory cave projecting sun, Epiclassic 650–900 CE.
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Why it mattersArchaeological landmark for Epiclassic central Mexican in Morelos; type-site demonstrating fortified hill city and observatory and regional exchange.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Function and chronology of Xochicalco Archaeological Zone within Epiclassic 650–900 CE
- 02Relationship to neighboring polities
Theories
- 01Epiclassic central Mexican ceremonial center for fortified hill city and observatory
- 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.650–900 CE
- Period
- Epiclassic 650–900 CE
- Culture
- Epiclassic central Mexican
- Builders
- Epiclassic hilltop elite
- Purpose
- Fortified hill city and observatory
- Abandoned
- c.900 CE
- Rediscovered
- 1790 rediscovered
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c.650–900 CE
Xochicalco Archaeological Zone construction phase
20th century
Modern excavations
On the ground
Structures & features
18.8042° N · 99.2947° W · 1800 m · 2 mapped features
Xochicalco Archaeological Zone central feature
featureMain architectural feature
18.8042° N · 99.2947° WXochicalco Archaeological Zone secondary sector
sectorSecondary sector
18.8052° N · 99.2937° W
Gallery