At the archaeological zone of Calixtlahuaca, its location, terraced construction, and monument forms provide concrete clues for understanding the site. If you would first like to decide on a cultural focus when choosing your vacation rental, the zone offers a clear point of reference. To reach the archaeological zone, travel through Calixtlahuaca toward Tecaxic and follow the signs to the site at Cerro TenismĂł.
Monuments and Their Locations
The Tláloc Complex consists of Monuments 4 and 7, as well as a tzompantli. This tzompantli is located in the central courtyard on the middle northern slope of Cerro Tenismó. Its structure is cross-shaped; nails and skulls are carved into the rock in the circular section. This makes it possible to identify an individual structure within the named complex by its form and precisely described location.
Monument 3, also called the Temple of Ehécatl Quetzalcóatl, is located on the lower northern slope of Cerro Tenismó. Monument 7 is a quadrangular structure on an artificially constructed terrace; its staircase faces south toward a courtyard. The descriptions of these two monuments focus on different details: for Monument 3, the section of the slope is specified; for Monument 7, its floor plan, terrace, and the direction of its staircase are detailed. Together with the location of the tzompantli, these details help distinguish different positions and architectural forms within the archaeological zone.
Terraces, Terrain, and Petroglyphs
The archaeological complexes at Cerro Tenismó stand on leveled terraces reinforced with thick retaining walls. The structures of the Tláloc Complex are arranged on a large terrace. Its design imitates Cerro Molcajete and its slope extending eastward. Thus, for this complex, the shape of the area is part of the described layout, alongside the individual monuments.
Petroglyphs were incorporated into the walls of Calixtlahuaca’s pre-Hispanic buildings and have cultural-symbolic or religious-ritual significance. At the southeastern corner of a structure in the archaeological zone, parts of a structure bearing various petroglyphs can be seen; these were carved into the rock walls by the Teotihuacans. This makes the rock carvings a subject in their own right, alongside floor plans, staircase orientation, and terrace design: they connect the study of the buildings with the symbolic meaning of the carved motifs.
Different Periods
The findings described do not all belong to the same period. The petroglyphs at the southeastern corner of the structure date to the Classic period. The construction phases of Monument 7 span the Late Classic through the Postclassic period; the tzompantli is assigned to the Late Postclassic period. This range of dates helps place the rock carvings and structures as distinct findings within the archaeological zone.
Discover more destinations: Ocoyoacac, San Isidro, San Pedro Totoltepec, San Juan Teotihuacan de Arista, San JoaquĂn, Buenavista, Tejupilco De Hidalgo, Ixtapan De La Sal.
For the main travel overview: MĂ©xico.
