Introduction to Cerro de la Estrella
Cerro de la Estrella is a significant Mesoamerican archaeological site located in the southeastern part of the Valley of Mexico, within the Iztapalapa mayoralty of Mexico City. Positioned at an elevation of 2460 meters above sea level, its summit rises 224 meters above the Valley of Mexico. This site, known historically as Huizachtecatl, played a crucial role in the religious and cultural practices of the ancient inhabitants of the Mexican Plateau, notably as the location for the “New Fire” ritual ceremony.
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Historical Significance
The “New Fire” ceremony, deeply meaningful to the people of the region and beyond, underscores the site’s importance. This ritual was integral to the Mexica (Aztec) belief system, symbolizing the renewal of the cosmos and the prevention of cosmic catastrophe.
Occupation Stages
Early Human Presence
The earliest human occupation in the Iztapalapa area traces back to the village of Santa MarÃa Aztahuacan, where remains dating approximately nine thousand years ago were discovered. This initial phase of human activity laid the groundwork for subsequent cultural developments in the region.
Preclassical Period
During the Preclassical period, the slopes of Cerro de la Estrella saw the establishment of a village associated with the Cuicuilco culture. The decline of Cuicuilco around 150 AD, likely due to the eruption of the Xitle volcano, marked a significant cultural transition in the area.
Classical Period and Beyond
The end of the Preclassical period saw the rise of Culhuacán’s occupation, which, during the Classical period, became part of a broader Mesoamerican trade system centered around Teotihuacan. Following the decline of Teotihuacan in the 8th century AD, Culhuacán served as a refuge for its inhabitants, merging Teotihuacan cultural elements with those of incoming warrior peoples.
Archaeological Insights
Early Constructions
Investigations have revealed constructions dating from 100 to 650 AD, indicating the site’s habitation from the mid Preclassical period up to the arrival of the Spaniards. These early settlers established farming systems and social organization, as evidenced by stone glyphs and other archaeological materials.
Late Classic Period
The late Classic period (600 to 900 AD) saw the construction of numerous civil structures due to population growth. However, many of these remains have been lost to modern construction.
Chichimecan and Aztec Occupation
From 900 to 1300 AD, Chichimecan peoples inhabited the western section of the hill, founding the town of Colhuacan. The Aztecs later conquered the area, establishing Ixtapalapa and using the site as a strategic and cultural hub.
New Fire Ceremony
The New Fire ceremony, performed every 52 years, was a pivotal event aimed at renewing the cosmos and preventing the death of the Sun. Cerro de la Estrella served as the ceremonial center for this ritual, with historical sources documenting four such ceremonies occurring in 1351, 1403, 1455, and 1507 AD.
Conclusion
Cerro de la Estrella’s archaeological and historical significance is profound, offering insights into the cultural and religious practices of the ancient inhabitants of the Valley of Mexico. The site’s role in the New Fire ceremony, in particular, highlights its importance in the cosmological beliefs of the Mexica and other Mesoamerican peoples. Through ongoing archaeological research, the layers of history embedded within Cerro de la Estrella continue to provide valuable understanding of pre-Columbian civilizations in Central Mexico.
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