Cerro del Judío, also known by its ancient name Mazatepetl, which translates to “Hill of the Deer” in Nahuatl, is a mountain steeped in history and cultural significance. Located in the Magdalena Contreras municipality of Mexico City, this site is not only a natural wonder but also a testament to the rich pre-Columbian heritage of the region.
Ancient Civilizations
All Ancient Civilizations, Cultures and People
Cerro de las Mesas
Cerro de las Mesas, an archaeological site of significant importance, is situated in the Mexican state of Veracruz, within the Mixtequilla area near the Papaloapan River, approximately 50 kilometers from the city of Veracruz. This site represents a settlement that was continuously occupied from 600 BC to 900 AD, marking it as a pivotal center for both the epi-Olmec culture and the classical culture of Veracruz. Notably, between 300 BC and 600 AD, it served as the capital of one of the regions, highlighting its historical and cultural significance.
Monte Alto Guatemala
The Pacific Coast of Guatemala, a region rich in archaeological heritage, has long fascinated scholars and enthusiasts alike with its diverse array of ancient sculptures and monuments. Among these, the Monte Alto site stands out for its unique contributions to our understanding of Preclassic Mesoamerican civilization. This blog post delves into the history, art, and astronomical significance of Monte Alto, shedding light on its role in the broader cultural landscape of ancient Mesoamerica.
Piedras Negras
Piedras Negras, translating to “black stones” from Spanish, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and might of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. Situated on the north bank of the Usumacinta River in the Petén department of northwestern Guatemala, this ancient city is recognized for its significant role among the Maya urban centers along the Usumacinta River.
Chactún
In 2013, a significant archaeological discovery was made in the state of Campeche, Mexico, within the northern part of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. A team of Mexican and international experts from the Research Center of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts (ZRC SAZU) and Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), led by archaeologist Ivan Sprajc, uncovered an ancient Maya city known as Chactún, which translates to “Red Stone”. This discovery was facilitated by aerial photographs, revealing a site that had remained hidden due to its inaccessible location and dense vegetation. The project, supported by the National Geographic Society among others, marked a significant advancement in the understanding of the Maya civilization in this region.
El Perú Maya Site (Waka)
El Perú, also known as Waka’, stands as a testament to the grandeur of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. Occupied from roughly 500 BC to 800 AD, this archeological site was the capital of a Maya city-state, strategically located near the banks of the San Pedro River in the Department of Petén, northern Guatemala. Approximately 60 km west of the renowned Tikal, El Perú’s significance in Maya history is undeniable.