La Quemada Pyramid Votive Pyramid North
La Quemada Pyramid Votive Pyramid North North Annex · La Site
Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent·Old Kingdom·🇲🇽 Zacatecas, La Quemada, Mexico
About
About La Quemada Pyramid Votive Pyramid North
La Quemada Pyramid Votive Pyramid North in Zacatecas, La Quemada, 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 22.4550N -56.6180E controls access to Zacatecas 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 Zacatecas, La Quemada, 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
- 1994 survey
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 2600–2500 BCE
Initial construction of La Quemada Pyramid Votive Pyramid North main structure
c. 1934
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1994–2009
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at La Quemada Pyramid Votive Pyramid North) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
22.4550° N · 56.6180° W · 318 m · 4 mapped features
La Quemada Pyramid Votive Pyramid North — Main Structure
structurePrincipal pyramid — Base 95 × 95 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
22.4558° N · 56.6171° WLa Quemada Pyramid Votive Pyramid North — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
22.4540° N · 56.6187° WLa Quemada Pyramid Votive Pyramid North — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
22.4565° N · 56.6168° WLa Quemada Pyramid Votive Pyramid North — Hydraulic/Cistern
hydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site
22.4534° N · 56.6191° W