Guachimontón Circular Complex — Teuchitlán
Formative–Classic (350 BCE–400 CE)·Teuchitlán tradition·🇲🇽 Jalisco, Mexico
About
About Guachimontón Circular Complex — Teuchitlán
Guachimontón Circular Complex — Teuchitlán in Jalisco, Mexico is a Formative–Classic (350 BCE–400 CE) pyramid attributed to Teuchitlán tradition. Concentric circular stepped pyramid 18 m high with 10-platform outer ring, Mesoamerica's only circular pyramid type. Weigand: concentric circles with ballcourt at center of ring, type-site for Western Mexico 60 guachimontones.
Why it mattersKey Teuchitlán tradition compound illustrating Teotihuacan urban organization
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Urban craft specialization
- 02Mural iconography interpretation
Theories
- 01Multi-ethnic barrio model
- 02Theocratic palace administration
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. 200 BCE
- Period
- Formative–Classic (350 BCE–400 CE)
- Culture
- Teuchitlán tradition
- Purpose
- Concentric circular stepped pyramid 18 m high with 10-platform outer ring, Mesoamerica's only circular pyramid type
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 200 BCE
Initial construction
c. 1960 CE
Modern INAH excavation
On the ground
Structures & features
20.6800° N · 103.8400° W · 1300 m · 4 mapped features
Guachimontón Circular Complex — Teuchitlán — Main Pyramid Base
pyramidPrincipal stepped pyramid
20.6801° N · 103.8399° WGuachimontón Circular Complex — Teuchitlán — Summit Altar/Shrine
altarTop altar or shrine
20.6802° N · 103.8398° WGuachimontón Circular Complex — Teuchitlán — Ballcourt Annex
ballcourtAssociated ballcourt
20.6805° N · 103.8403° WGuachimontón Circular Complex — Teuchitlán — Secondary Compound
compoundSecond patio compound
20.6796° N · 103.8401° W