Comalcalco Archaeological Zone
Joy Chan · Comalcalco
Maya Classic 250–900 CE·Maya (Chontal)·🇲🇽 Tabasco, Mexico
About
About Comalcalco Archaeological Zone
Only Maya brick city: 72 ha floodplain acropolis with 56 million fired bricks bonded with oyster-shell mortar, honeycomb coursing, stucco masks, Chontal Maya Joy Chan dynasty 250–900 CE.
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Why it mattersArchaeological landmark for Maya (Chontal) in Tabasco; type-site demonstrating floodplain brick ceremonial capital and regional exchange.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Function and chronology of Comalcalco Archaeological Zone within Maya Classic 250–900 CE
- 02Relationship to neighboring polities
Theories
- 01Maya (Chontal) ceremonial center for floodplain brick ceremonial capital
- 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.250–900 CE
- Period
- Maya Classic 250–900 CE
- Culture
- Maya (Chontal)
- Builders
- Chontal Maya
- Purpose
- Floodplain brick ceremonial capital
- Abandoned
- c.900 CE
- Rediscovered
- 1880 Charnay
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c.250–900 CE
Comalcalco Archaeological Zone construction phase
20th century
Modern excavations
On the ground
Structures & features
18.2764° N · 93.2008° W · 10 m · 2 mapped features
Comalcalco Archaeological Zone central feature
featureMain architectural feature
18.2764° N · 93.2008° WComalcalco Archaeological Zone secondary sector
sectorSecondary sector
18.2774° N · 93.1998° W
Gallery