The most important archaeological zones of Jalisco are those of Guachimontones, Ixtépete and El Grillo. The National Institute of Anthropology and History has registered more than 1500 archaeological sites in the area.
Jalisco is the third most populated state of those that form the United Mexican States. Its capital is Guadalajara and it has human remains dating back 15,000 years.
The first administrative arrangement is located in 618 d. C., when the Toltecs founded the kingdom of Jalisco.
The commercial and historical importance of Jalisco explains the wealth of archaeological remains found in the state. In addition to the Toltecs, there were also Tecuex, Cocas or Huachichil populations.
You may also be interested in the traditions and customs of Jalisco or its popular legends.
The 5 main archaeological zones of Jalisco
one-
The name of this archaeological site comes from the concentric circles that surround its characteristic circular pyramids.
These are called guachimontones and they also have a circular patio. There are also two sets of balls, graves and squares.
This settlement was raised by a society known as the Teuchitlán Tradition, which inhabited the area between 350 BC. C. and 350 d. C.
Located 70 kilometers from Guadalajara, the site was discovered in the 1960s by archaeologist Phil Weigand, although recovery and restoration work began in the late 1990s.
two-
The Ixtépete is considered one of the most important deposits in western Mexico.
Although it is not known for sure who the authors were, the most outstanding remains seem to come from the Grillo tradition, which inhabited the area between 450 and 900 AD. C.
The area that has been uncovered measures 13 hectares, although experts believe that the settlement was much larger and work continues to provide new discoveries.
The pyramidal structure considered the most prominent of the site has a similar shape to the Pyramid of the Sun.
Between this structure and other buildings they form a Templo Mayor. These buildings are at least seven, overlapping with a difference of 52 years between each.
3-
This deposit is located within the metropolitan area of the capital, in the municipality of Zapopan.
Its curious name comes from being on the grounds of an old ranch that had that name: El Grillo Ranch.
The structure of the remains suggests that it was a cemetery, dated by experts as belonging to the late Classic Period, between 500 and 700 AD. C.
Up to now, seven mounds have been found, each one 7 meters high, with various stone and adobe structures. Likewise, several rectangular box tombs have appeared.
4-
Located in the Teocaltitán community, this archaeological site of the same name is chronologically located in the so-called Gallo Tradition, between 450 and 900 AD. C.
The site consists of several platforms, some rectangular and others elevated. Likewise, a ball court and a pyramid that was part of the main temple has been found.
In 2017, the excavated land only reached 10% of the total. It is estimated that up to 23 buildings can be found in the area.
After years of work, interested visitors can now access the site, although archaeological work continues.
5-
Despite having been discovered in the 1960s by archaeologist Phil Weigand, it was in 2008 that work began on this site.
At that time around 40 different structures were found, each with its own function.
Experts have dated this site within the Grillo Tradition, between 450 and 900 AD. C. It is located in the community of Oconahua and its most outstanding structure is a monumental courtyard, 130 meters wide and 8 meters high.
References
- Government of the State of Jalisco. Archaeological sites. Obtained from sc.jalisco.gob.mx
- Union Jalisco. Welcome to Guachimontones. Obtained from file.unionjalisco.mx
- Smith, Julian. Surprise Finds in Tequila Country. (November 2006). Recovered from archive.archaeology.org
- News Network Archeology. Archaeologists explore ancient ceremonial center in western Mexico Retrieved from archeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com.es.
- Burton, Tony. Guadalajara and the Iztepete archeological site. Retrieved from mexconnect.com