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 Base
pyramidPrincipal stepped pyramid
19.5601° N · 101.6399° WIhuatzio Yácata Complex — Lake Pátzcuaro — Summit Altar/Shrine
altarTop altar or shrine
19.5602° N · 101.6398° WIhuatzio Yácata Complex — Lake Pátzcuaro — Ballcourt Annex
ballcourtAssociated ballcourt
19.5605° N · 101.6403° WIhuatzio Yácata Complex — Lake Pátzcuaro — Secondary Compound
compoundSecond patio compound
19.5596° N · 101.6401° W