Tehuacalco, an archaeological site of significant historical importance, is located in the state of Guerrero, near Chilpancingo, Mexico. This site holds the distinction of being the first to be associated with the Yope people, an indigenous group whose presence and cultural practices have been largely enigmatic. Excavations in the 2000s have shed light on the ceremonial and societal structures of the Yope, offering insights into their way of life, religious practices, and interactions with neighboring cultures.
Ancient Civilizations
All Ancient Civilizations, Cultures and People
Peralta
Peralta, a prehispanic Mesoamerican archaeological site, is situated in the Abasolo Municipality, Guanajuato, Mexico. This site, located just outside the village of San Jose de Peralta, offers a unique glimpse into the ancient Bajio Tradition, a cultural and architectural phenomenon distinct from other Mesoamerican societies. The site’s development, decline, and the societies that inhabited it provide valuable insights into the complexities of pre-Columbian life in the region.
Plazuelas
Plazuelas, a significant prehispanic archaeological site, is situated in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico. This site, which is open to the public, features a large, rectangular plaza dominated by pyramidal structures, platforms, and a massive ball court. To the north, a field of boulders adorned with thousands of glyphs adds to the site’s mystique. The settlement, originally larger, included a notable circular structure known as El Cajete, marking its eastern extent.
El Cóporo
El Cóporo, a significant archaeological site located in the northwestern corner of Guanajuato state, Mexico, stands as a testament to the complex prehispanic civilizations that thrived at the northern frontiers of the Mesoamerican cultural area. Situated at an elevation of 150 meters on the western slopes of the Santa Bárbara range, near the San José del Torreón community, El Cóporo spans approximately 84 hectares across the slopes and summit of Cerro del Cóporo. Despite only an estimated five percent of this area having been archaeologically excavated or investigated as of 2009, El Cóporo’s importance is undisputed, recognized as one of the four most significant archaeological sites in the state of Guanajuato.
La Campana
La Campana is an archaeological site located in the Colima state of Mexico. It’s known for its significant pre-Columbian remains, which include structures, artifacts, and petroglyphs. The site offers a glimpse into the ancient societies that thrived in the region before the Spanish conquest. La Campana was a major urban center, believed to have been occupied from as early as 1500 BC to around 1400 AD. It showcases the complexity and sophistication of Mesoamerican civilizations, with its urban planning, monumental architecture, and intricate social structures.
Aké
Nestled in the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula, the Aké Archaeological Zone offers a unique window into the ancient Mayan civilization, revealing its architectural prowess, intricate social networks, and profound connection with the cosmos. This pre-Hispanic city, whose name translates to “place of vines” in the Yucatecan Mayan language, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and spirit of its people.