Tammapul, a name that translates to “Place of Mist” from the Huastec language, stands as a testament to the rich and complex history of Pre-Columbian civilizations in what is now Tamaulipas, Mexico. This archaeological site, located approximately 8 kilometers southeast of Tula and adjacent to the Tula lagoon, is attributed to the Huastec civilization. However, the discovery of 35,000 ceramic remains suggests a simultaneous connection to the Río Verde culture from the neighboring state of San Luis Potosí, indicating a confluence of cultural influences at this site.
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Historical Overview
The zenith of Tammapul as a town occurred during the Epi-Classic period, spanning from 600 to 900 AD. The site was first documented in the 16th century by Abraham Ortelius in his 1570 map of La Huasteca. Subsequent descriptions and explorations, including those by Toribio de la Torre in 1836 and researchers from the University of Texas in 1830, have contributed to our understanding of Tammapul’s historical significance. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the site suffered from looting, with valuable materials such as building materials, ceramics, and art being removed. Efforts to preserve and study Tammapul have been ongoing, with significant contributions from historians such as Joaquín Meade in 1950 and Octavio Herrera Pérez in 1980, who, along with local residents, undertook extensive excavations and implemented measures to protect the site.
Architectural Significance
Tammapul is distinguished by its unique architectural features, including three circular constructions connected by paved roads. The most notable structure within the site is “El Cuizillo,” also known as the Tula Pyramid. This semi-conical building, standing 12 meters tall with a base diameter of 41 meters, is characterized by its three superimposed floors constructed from carved and polished stone. The architecture of El Cuizillo, particularly its circular base and protruding features, is unparalleled among Mesoamerican ruins but shares similarities with other sites such as Guachimontones, Cuicuilco, Tzintzunzan, and El Sabinito. The design of El Cuizillo suggests that Tammapul may have served as a cultural crossroads, reflecting a diverse range of influences from across Mesoamerica. The association of round pyramids with the wind god Ehecatl in Huastec culture provides a potential explanation for the site’s name and its mystical aura.
At a Glance
- Civilization Name: Huastec (with connections to the Río Verde culture)
- Country: Mexico
- Age of the Site/Place: Epi-Classic period, 600-900 AD
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tammapul
Image source: https://www.milenio.com/cultura/tammapul-zona-arqueologica-tamaulipas-ubicada-tula
Image source: https://www.pinterest.ie/pin/491877590545838981/
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