Ihuatzio Yácata Complex — Lake Pátzcuaro
Postclassic (1300–1528 CE)·Purépecha·🇲🇽 Michoacán, Mexico
About
About Ihuatzio Yácata Complex — Lake Pátzcuaro
Ihuatzio Yácata Complex — Lake Pátzcuaro in Michoacán, Mexico is a Postclassic (1300–1528 CE) pyramid attributed to Purépecha. Two yácata pyramids and rectangular pyramid on platform near Ihuatzio town, predecessor to Tzintzuntzan. Earlier Purépecha capital before Tzintzuntzan shift, with ballcourt and plaza.
Why it mattersKey Purépecha 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. 1300 CE
- Period
- Postclassic (1300–1528 CE)
- Culture
- Purépecha
- Purpose
- Two yácata pyramids and rectangular pyramid on platform near Ihuatzio town, predecessor to Tzintzuntzan
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 1300 CE
Initial construction
c. 1960 CE
Modern INAH excavation
On the ground
Structures & features
19.5600° N · 101.6400° W · 2040 m · 4 mapped features
- Ihuatzio Yácata Complex — Lake Pátzcuaro — Main Pyramid BasepyramidPrincipal stepped pyramid19.5601° N · 101.6399° W
- Ihuatzio Yácata Complex — Lake Pátzcuaro — Summit Altar/ShrinealtarTop altar or shrine19.5602° N · 101.6398° W
- Ihuatzio Yácata Complex — Lake Pátzcuaro — Ballcourt AnnexballcourtAssociated ballcourt19.5605° N · 101.6403° W
- Ihuatzio Yácata Complex — Lake Pátzcuaro — Secondary CompoundcompoundSecond patio compound19.5596° N · 101.6401° W
Gallery