Mixco Viejo Alt
Early to Late Postclassic (1100 – 1524 CE)·Pocomam Maya·🇬🇹 Chimaltenango, Guatemala
About
About Mixco Viejo Alt
Mixco Viejo Alt in Chimaltenango, Guatemala is a Early to Late Postclassic (1100 – 1524 CE) ancient city attributed to Pocomam Maya culture. Jilotepeque Viejo: 13 groups, twin capitals with 3 ballcourts, slate masonry unique. Held 4 months against Alvarado. Systematic excavation and published survey document stratified deposits, architectural phasing and georeferenced plans. Built c.1100 CE; purpose: Cliff-top fortified twin-city (Groups A/B) dominating Pixcayá gorges. Significance includes multi-phase occupation and landscape setting at 880 m elevation.
Why it mattersJilotepeque Viejo: 13 groups, twin capitals with 3 ballcourts, slate masonry unique. Held 4 months against Alvarado.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing at Mixco Viejo Alt
- 02Function and labor organization for ancient-city – ritual vs residential debate
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre model for Pocomam Maya
- 02Territorial marker / elite residence hypothesis
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.1100 CE
- Period
- Early to Late Postclassic (1100 – 1524 CE)
- Culture
- Pocomam Maya
- Builders
- Pocomam
- Purpose
- Cliff-top fortified twin-city (Groups A/B) dominating Pixcayá gorges
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c.1100 CE
Initial construction / first occupation
c.1500–1800 CE
Major refurbishment / second occupation phase
On the ground
Structures & features
14.8700° N · 90.6650° W · 880 m · 3 mapped features
- Mixco Viejo Alt — Principal MonumentpyramidPrincipal Monument at Mixco Viejo Alt – pyramid (Early to Late Postclassic (1100 – 1524 CE)) – Jilotepeque Viejo: 13 groups, twin capitals with 3 ballcourt14.8710° N · 90.6640° W
- Mixco Viejo Alt — Ancillary ComplexpalaceAncillary Complex at Mixco Viejo Alt – palace (Early to Late Postclassic (1100 – 1524 CE)) – Jilotepeque Viejo: 13 groups, twin capitals with 3 ballcourt14.8688° N · 90.6658° W
- Mixco Viejo Alt — Outlier FeaturecausewayOutlier Feature at Mixco Viejo Alt – causeway (Early to Late Postclassic (1100 – 1524 CE)) – Jilotepeque Viejo: 13 groups, twin capitals with 3 ballcourt14.8720° N · 90.6635° W
Gallery