Tzintzuntzan Yácatas — Tarascan Capital
Postclassic Tarascan (1325–1528 CE)·Purépecha (Tarascan) Empire·🇲🇽 Michoacán, Mexico
About
About Tzintzuntzan Yácatas — Tarascan Capital
Tzintzuntzan Yácatas — Tarascan Capital in Michoacán, Mexico is a Postclassic Tarascan (1325–1528 CE) pyramid attributed to Purépecha (Tarascan) Empire. Five semi-circular stepped yácata pyramids on grand platform 400 × 300 m above Lake Pátzcuaro. Tarascan capital rival to Aztecs, never conquered, iron (?) bronze tools disputed.
Why it mattersKey Purépecha (Tarascan) Empire 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. 1350 CE
- Period
- Postclassic Tarascan (1325–1528 CE)
- Culture
- Purépecha (Tarascan) Empire
- Purpose
- Five semi-circular stepped yácata pyramids on grand platform 400 × 300 m above Lake Pátzcuaro
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 1350 CE
Initial construction
c. 1960 CE
Modern INAH excavation
On the ground
Structures & features
19.6270° N · 101.5770° W · 2050 m · 3 mapped features
Tzintzuntzan Yácatas — Tarascan Capital — Main Pyramid Base
pyramidPrincipal stepped pyramid
19.6271° N · 101.5769° WTzintzuntzan Yácatas — Tarascan Capital — Summit Altar/Shrine
altarTop altar or shrine
19.6272° N · 101.5768° WTzintzuntzan Yácatas — Tarascan Capital — Ballcourt Annex
ballcourtAssociated ballcourt
19.6275° N · 101.5773° W