El Cerrito Archaeological Zone (Querétaro)
El Cerrito · Pirámide del Pueblito
Classic–Postclassic 400 BCE–1200 CE·Toltec frontier·🇲🇽 Querétaro, Mexico
About
About El Cerrito Archaeological Zone (Querétaro)
Northern Toltec frontier pyramid El Pueblito 30 m high 118 m base with four stages 900–1200 CE atop Chupícuaro settlement, chapel on summit until 2000s. Recorded context — Period: Classic–Postclassic 400 BCE–1200 CE; Culture: Toltec frontier; Field status: ongoing; Materials: adobe, stone; Condition: ruins.
Why it mattersArchaeological landmark for Toltec frontier in Querétaro; type-site demonstrating frontier pyramid-temple and regional exchange.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Function and chronology of El Cerrito Archaeological Zone (Querétaro) within Classic–Postclassic 400 BCE–1200 CE
- 02Relationship to neighboring polities
Theories
- 01Toltec frontier ceremonial center for frontier pyramid-temple
- 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.900–1200 CE
- Period
- Classic–Postclassic 400 BCE–1200 CE
- Culture
- Toltec frontier
- Builders
- Toltec-affiliated
- Purpose
- Frontier pyramid-temple
- Rediscovered
- 1750 chapel; 1995 INAH
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c.900–1200 CE
El Cerrito Archaeological Zone (Querétaro) construction phase
20th century
Modern excavations
On the ground
Structures & features
Gallery