Tlatelolco
Late Postclassic Aztec (1337 – 1521 CE)·Tlatelolca / Mexica·🇲🇽 Mexico City, Mexico
About
About Tlatelolco
Tlatelolco in Mexico City, Mexico is a Late Postclassic Aztec (1337 – 1521 CE) ancient city attributed to Tlatelolca / Mexica culture. Tlatelolco market described by Díaz: 60,000 daily, tribute. 1521 last Aztec stand (Cuauhtémoc surrendered here). 1968 massacre modern overlay. Systematic excavation and published survey document stratified deposits, architectural phasing and georeferenced plans. Built c.1337 CE, rebuilt 1460; purpose: Sister city of Tenochtitlan and great market (60,000 traders) with Temple Mayor twin. Significance includes multi-phase occupation and landscape setting at 2240 m elevation.
Why it mattersTlatelolco market described by Díaz: 60,000 daily, tribute. 1521 last Aztec stand (Cuauhtémoc surrendered here). 1968 massacre modern overlay.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing at Tlatelolco
- 02Function and labor organization for ancient-city – ritual vs residential debate
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre model for Tlatelolca / Mexica
- 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.1337 CE, rebuilt 1460
- Period
- Late Postclassic Aztec (1337 – 1521 CE)
- Culture
- Tlatelolca / Mexica
- Builders
- Tlatelolca
- Purpose
- Sister city of Tenochtitlan and great market (60,000 traders) with Temple Mayor twin
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c.1337 CE, rebuilt 1460
Initial construction / first occupation
c.1500–1800 CE
Major refurbishment / second occupation phase
On the ground
Structures & features
19.4510° N · 99.1360° W · 2240 m · 3 mapped features
Tlatelolco — Principal Monument
pyramidPrincipal Monument at Tlatelolco – pyramid (Late Postclassic Aztec (1337 – 1521 CE)) – Tlatelolco market described by Díaz: 60,000 daily, tribute.
19.4520° N · 99.1350° WTlatelolco — Ancillary Complex
palaceAncillary Complex at Tlatelolco – palace (Late Postclassic Aztec (1337 – 1521 CE)) – Tlatelolco market described by Díaz: 60,000 daily, tribute.
19.4498° N · 99.1368° WTlatelolco — Outlier Feature
causewayOutlier Feature at Tlatelolco – causeway (Late Postclassic Aztec (1337 – 1521 CE)) – Tlatelolco market described by Díaz: 60,000 daily, tribute.
19.4530° N · 99.1345° W