Ixtlán del Rio Pyramid Shaft Tomb Shaft 3
Ixtlán del Rio Pyramid Shaft Tomb Shaft 3 North Annex · Ixtlán Site
Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent·Old Kingdom·🇲🇽 Nayarit, Ixtlán, Mexico
About
About Ixtlán del Rio Pyramid Shaft Tomb Shaft 3
Ixtlán del Rio Pyramid Shaft Tomb Shaft 3 in Nayarit, Ixtlán, 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 21.0340N -104.3650E controls access to Nayarit 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 Nayarit, Ixtlán, 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
- 1966 survey
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 2600–2500 BCE
Initial construction of Ixtlán del Rio Pyramid Shaft Tomb Shaft 3 main structure
c. 1946
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1961–2006
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Ixtlán del Rio Pyramid Shaft Tomb Shaft 3) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
21.0340° N · 104.3650° W · 402 m · 4 mapped features
Ixtlán del Rio Pyramid Shaft Tomb Shaft 3 — Main Structure
structurePrincipal pyramid — Base 95 × 95 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
21.0348° N · 104.3641° WIxtlán del Rio Pyramid Shaft Tomb Shaft 3 — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
21.0330° N · 104.3657° WIxtlán del Rio Pyramid Shaft Tomb Shaft 3 — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
21.0355° N · 104.3638° WIxtlán del Rio Pyramid Shaft Tomb Shaft 3 — Hydraulic/Cistern
hydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site
21.0324° N · 104.3661° W