La Quemada (Chicomostoc)1
La Quemada (Chicomostoc)1

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It is considered one of the most important in Mesoamerica.

Its name “The Burned”, was given after early investigations revealed many of the buildings in this site had been burned down.

The site flourished between 400 and 900 A.D., although it is known that it was inhabited until around 1200 A.D. It is an interesting archaeological site considered one of the most important in Mesoamerica, both for its large size, and for its strategic geographical location.

The mystery of who the builders were is yet to be decided. Some allege this settlement was the legendary Chicomostoc ancient Teotihuacan enclave, or a possible Tarasco center, a Toltec emporium or, simply, an independent development and capital of the groups settled north of the Rio Grande de Santiago. In this mysterious place it is believed that was inhabited at least for seven different cultures: Xochimilcas, Chalcas, Tlaxcaltecs, Tepanecas, Tlahuicas, Coluas and Aztecs.

It is also assumed that this place was exclusively inhabited by noble or high-ranking people and the rest lived in the surroundings.

La Quemada (Chicomostoc)

Must see Buildings

This remarkable city dominates a seemingly impossible location, halfway up a craggy hill situated at the heart of the remote and inhospitably desolate plains of northern frontier of Mesoamerica. It had a network of roads, paved with slabs over a firmly compacted clay infill to connect the city with the surroundig areas.

The ceremonial centre was fortified by means of slate (volcanic tuff) masonry walls. The site spreads over 250 hectares and remains of buildings of various sizes crown 50 large terraces.

Salón de las Columnas (The Hall of Columns)

In the first terrace is the Salón de las Columnas, one of the most gargantuan buildings ever erected in Mesoamerica which may have been the royal palace or a temple. This structure extends over an area of 41 by 32 m (134 by 105 feet) enclosure, and the eleven columns in its interior suggest the roof was around 5 m (20 feet) high, some studies maintain that it is a gigantic solar calendar.

Juego de Pelota (Ball Court)

From the hall of columns there is a causeway connectig with the Ball-Court that is 70 m (262 feet) long, one of the longest in northern Mexico; and the the site's best-known structure, the non-stepped Votive Pyramid, a unique masterpiece 12 m (33 feet) high that exudes elegance.

Pirámide Votiva (Votive Pyramid )

There is also the stairway west to the Votive Pyramid and it was used as main access to the top levels of the site, the hub of La Quemada’s daily life.

This unique pyramid is the best known structure on the site, a 12 m high masterpiece with elegant design.

The second level is accessed by two steps, arranged in different directions with a group of rooms connected to each other, also known as the labyrinth; there are some other rooms of the king or priest, an ossuary where about 200 or 300 human skeletons and platforms.

On the third level, on the west side of the hill, are numerous platforms or terraces that, were used as residential areas.

Observatory

On the fourth terrace is the viewpoint or observatory with a panoramic view of the entire valley.

Ciudadela (The Citadel)

On the fifth level is the Ciudadela (The Citadel) with traces of a small pyramid and a platform, possibly used for ceremonial and defensive purposes. The Muralla (Wall) with amazing dimensions, 800 m (2,626 feet) long, 4 m (20 feet) high and 3 m (13 feet) thick, was located on edges of the cliffs surrounding the north and northeast of the site.

Museo de Sitio de La Quemada (Site Museum)La Quemada Site Museum

The museum displays material found on this site and in other important areas of the state.

Location

It is located 56 km south of the city of Zacatecas, Zac., within the municipality of Villanueva.

Hours

Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00 hrs.

3 MUST VISIT DESTINATIONS IN ZACATECAS

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