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Teotenango Archaeological Site: Discovering the Ancient Otomí and Matlatzinca Heritage

It’s believed that the first Toluca valley settlers, and surroundings such as Teotenango, were of Otomí origin, established at Tetépetl hill slopes, 15 minutes away Toluca. Little is known about them. However, it has been discovered that those who had the greatest presence were the Matlatzincas (“those who make nets”), named so by Aztecs because of the wide use they made of net.

 

From this culture remains the Zona Arqueológica de Teotenango (archaeological zone of Teotenango)—stands out for its jaguar monolith: a bas-relief representing a seated feline with a medallion at neck, in an attitude of devouring a kind of flower or heart and two engraved dates on the sides. The inscriptions are believed to refer to an eclipse.

 

Teotenango also has a closed and sunken ball court, in addition to the remains of a temazcal used for purification or healing purposes; a carved-serpent base that, due to its position, seems to come out from inside the pyramid, and a two-kilometers wall built somewhere between 900 and 1200 AD to protect the settlement’s west side.
Tourist Attraction
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    Delve into the past of ZacatecasThis archaeological site is located in the municipality of Chalchihuites and was an important ceremonial and astronomical center. Some studies suggest that its location is associated to its proximity to the Tropic of Cancer and that its design allows observing the suns displacement, this way its ancient inhabitants knew the agricultural cycle. Its importance also lies in the fact that one of the oldest representations of the National Coat of Arms ever re

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    Protected by the very god Quetzalcóatl, you’ll be able to admire the gigantic stone Atlanteans who watch over what was once the most important Toltec city. Find the Zona Arqueológica de Tula in the historic center of Tula de Allende, Hidalgo (entering through Actopan and taking Calle Del Tesoro). Venture to explore this city’s vestiges that until date is a reliable example of its majesty, very much in keeping with its cultured and prudent people; even the great lords’ sons from near and far

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    Declared a World Heritage Site, the archaeological zone of Xochicalco was an ancient ceremonial center and fortified city that had its heyday between 650 and 900 AD, right between the fall of Teotihuacan and the rise of Tula. On the hills that form the archeological site, two great basements stand out. The first is known as the Piramide de la Serpiente Emplumada (Feathered Serpent Pyramid), decorated with profuse high reliefs on its sides. There are eight snakes that symbolize the god Quetz