La Quemada

The pre-Columbian archaeological site of La Quemada or Chicomóztoc (Náhuatl: "seven caves") is situated about 53km/33mi south of Zacatecas on the MEX 54. This cult centre, which stretches across a large hill, probably had its beginnings as long ago as the Early Classic period. It is highly doubtful, however, whether it is identical with the legendary place of Chicomóztoc from which, according to the saga, the seven Nahua tribes are supposed to have set off on their migration to the south. What is certain is that La Quemada, together with Chalchihuites and other places in Zacatecas and Durango, lies in an area which represented the northern boundary of Meso-American civilisation. History

This fortress-like site, probably the most important in the northern area, had its heyday in the Late Classic and Early post-Classic periods between ad 700 and 1100 and must have gone into a serious decline at the beginning of the 13th c. A legend of the Huichol Indians mentions the destruction of a town in this region after it had tried to seize Peyotl trade for itself.

As early as 1650 the site was described by Pater Antonio Tello, who named it Tuitlán. The earliest scientific description dates from 1826 and is by G.F. Lyon. In 1903 excavations were begun under the direction of Leopoldo Batres and continued in the fifties and sixties by José Corona Nuñez and Pedro Armillas. The new little museum is well worth a visit.

The Site

In spite of the clear Meso-American influence demonstrated by its stepped pyramid, ball court, circular columns and embankments, the site can in no way be compared with the architecture of the archaeological sites situated further to the south. The buildings, which are scattered across a mountain ridge, are constructed mainly of small stone slabs and adobe bricks.