Introduction
El Conde is a significant archaeological site located in the municipality of Naucalpan, Mexico State. This site, which was declared a pre-Hispanic historical monument in 2001, offers valuable insights into the complex cultural and historical dynamics of the Valley of Mexico. The following sections provide a detailed examination of El Conde’s historical context, the cultures that influenced its development, and the architectural characteristics of the site.
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Historical Context
The Valley of Mexico, encompassing Naucalpan, has been inhabited by humans for over 20,000 years. The history of Naucalpan is notably marked by the settlement of a group from the Tlatilco culture between 1700 and 600 BC along the banks of the RÃo Hondo. This period predates the influence of major civilizations such as the Teotihuacan, Toltec, Chichimeca, and Aztec. The Tlatilco culture’s social development provides a window into the region’s preclassical era, which was later shaped by the arrival of the Olmecs and the influence of the Teotihuacan civilization. Between 1000 and 1200 AD, the Chichimeca conquered the Tlatilca, leading to the construction of the pyramid of El Conde. The area subsequently came under the rule of Tlacopan and was dominated by the Otomies. By 1428 AD, the Tepanec from Azcapotzalco took control, only to be conquered by the Triple Alliance, marking the area as Naucalpan.
Cultures Influencing El Conde
Tlatilco Culture
The Tlatilco civilization, known for its significant population center in the early Preclassical period, established itself in what is now Naucalpan between 1700 and 600 BC. This era saw a notable presence of Otomà groups and was influenced by the burgeoning Teotihuacan civilization.
Chichimec Culture
The Chichimec culture arrived in the region between 1000 and 1200 AD, settling near the site where the Aztecs would later construct the structure known today as El Conde.
Tepanec Culture
In 1428, the territory was claimed by the Tepanecs of Azcapotzalco but was later ceded to the Tlacopan Altepetl following their defeat by the Triple Alliance. This transition marked a significant change in the area’s cultural and political landscape.
The Site
El Conde – Main Structure
The archaeological site of El Conde, whose original name remains unknown, has been referred to by its current name since the 19th century. Discovered in 1907 by archaeologist Manuel Gamio, the site was identified as a construction from the Postclassical Period. The pyramid of El Conde, covering an area of over 2,000 square meters, is a testament to the architectural prowess of its builders.
El Conde – External Foundations
The site includes a rectangular platform that once housed a tecpan or nobility palace, indicative of Aztec phase III architecture. This structure, one of the last examples of civil architecture from the late Postclassical period, features a stairway and embedded rooms typical of the era. The tecpan served as a crucial center for government and administrative activities, highlighting the political significance of El Conde within the broader Mesoamerican context.
Conclusion
El Conde stands as a pivotal archaeological site that offers profound insights into the cultural and historical complexities of the Valley of Mexico. Through the examination of its historical context and the cultures that influenced its development, along with the architectural characteristics of the site, we gain a deeper understanding of the region’s pre-Hispanic era. El Conde not only reflects the architectural ingenuity of its builders but also serves as a crucial link to the rich tapestry of Mesoamerican history.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Conde
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