El Tajin Pyramid of Niches Upper Tier
Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent·Old Kingdom·🇲🇽 Veracruz, El Tajín, Mexico
About
About El Tajin Pyramid of Niches Upper Tier
El Tajin Pyramid of Niches Upper Tier in Veracruz, El Tajín, 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 20.4480N -97.3780E controls access to Veracruz 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 Veracruz, El Tajín, 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
- 1981 survey
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 2600–2500 BCE
Initial construction of El Tajin Pyramid of Niches Upper Tier main structure
c. 1921
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1981–2011
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at El Tajin Pyramid of Niches Upper Tier) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
20.4480° N · 97.3780° W · 227 m · 3 mapped features
El Tajin Pyramid of Niches Upper Tier — Main Structure
structurePrincipal pyramid — Base 95 × 95 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
20.4488° N · 97.3771° WEl Tajin Pyramid of Niches Upper Tier — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
20.4470° N · 97.3787° WEl Tajin Pyramid of Niches Upper Tier — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
20.4495° N · 97.3768° W