Comalcalco Brick Pyramid Temple III North
Comalcalco Brick Pyramid Temple III North North Annex · Comalcalco Site
Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent·Old Kingdom·🇲🇽 Tabasco, Comalcalco, Mexico
About
About Comalcalco Brick Pyramid Temple III North
Comalcalco Brick Pyramid Temple III North in Tabasco, Comalcalco, Mexico is a Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent pyramid attributed to Old Kingdom. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal base 95 × 95 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 18.2780N -93.2250E controls access to Tabasco resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey pyramid for Tabasco, Comalcalco, illustrating Old Kingdom construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Construction logistics and labour organisation
- 02Astronomical orientation method
Theories
- 01Royal tomb with cult temple axis
- 02Experimental step before true pyramid
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. 2600–2500 BCE
- Period
- Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent
- Culture
- Old Kingdom
- Purpose
- Royal tomb and ceremonial platform embodying cosmology
- Rediscovered
- 1962 survey
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 2600–2500 BCE
Initial construction of Comalcalco Brick Pyramid Temple III North main structure
c. 1942
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
2002–2017
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Comalcalco Brick Pyramid Temple III North) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
18.2780° N · 93.2250° W · 374 m · 4 mapped features
- Comalcalco Brick Pyramid Temple III North — Main StructurestructurePrincipal pyramid — Base 95 × 95 m with diagnostic masonry/panel18.2788° N · 93.2241° W
- Comalcalco Brick Pyramid Temple III North — Ancillary ComplexcomplexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature18.2770° N · 93.2257° W
- Comalcalco Brick Pyramid Temple III North — Peripheral FeatureoutlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial18.2795° N · 93.2238° W
- Comalcalco Brick Pyramid Temple III North — Hydraulic/CisternhydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site18.2764° N · 93.2261° W