Cacaxtla-Xochitécatl Archaeological Zone
Cacaxtla-Xochitécatl · Cacaxtla · Xochitécatl
Epiclassic 650–900 CE·Olmeca-Xicalanca·🇲🇽 Tlaxcala, Mexico
About
About Cacaxtla-Xochitécatl Archaeological Zone
Epiclassic citadel Gran Basamento 200 m platform with 22 m Battle Mural and Maya blue pigments 700–800 CE, Xochitécatl pyramid terrace, Olmeca-Xicalanca capital after Teotihuacan fall. Recorded context — Period: Epiclassic 650–900 CE; Culture: Olmeca-Xicalanca; Field status: partially excavated; Materials: adobe, lime plaster, volcanic stone; Condition: ruins.
Why it mattersArchaeological landmark for Olmeca-Xicalanca in Tlaxcala; type-site demonstrating fortified hilltop citadel and regional exchange.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Function and chronology of Cacaxtla-Xochitécatl Archaeological Zone within Epiclassic 650–900 CE
- 02Relationship to neighboring polities
Theories
- 01Olmeca-Xicalanca ceremonial center for fortified hilltop citadel
- 02Regional capital controlling trade and tribute network
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.650–900 CE
- Period
- Epiclassic 650–900 CE
- Culture
- Olmeca-Xicalanca
- Builders
- Olmeca-Xicalanca with Maya artisans
- Purpose
- Fortified hilltop citadel
- Abandoned
- c.900 CE
- Rediscovered
- 1975 Battle Mural discovery
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c.650–900 CE
Cacaxtla-Xochitécatl Archaeological Zone construction phase
20th century
Modern excavations
On the ground
Structures & features
Gallery