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.
Things to See
Not far from the palace, looking in a northerly direction, there is a small platform from which a 10 m (33 ft) wide street leads to the ball court (juego de pelota), something which is most unusual for this region.
On the east side there is an entrance to the 40 3 31 m (131 3 102 ft) large Hall of Columns (Salón de las Columnas). The eleven stone pillars are up to 5 m (16 ft) high but it is not known whether they also supported a roof.
The first buildings on the left-hand side form a complex known as the King's Palace or the Cathedral (Palacio del Rey; Catedral). An extensive terrace has been preserved, surrounded by walls and measuring 67 3 64 m (220 3 210 ft).
A staircase and a narrow passage lead to the highest level, where a row of ruined buildings with terraces and galleries is to be found. From the building known as La Terraza, which can be ascended by a steep flight of steps on its southern side, there is a fine view of the whole of the archaeological zone and its surroundings.
On the level area known as the "Second Section" (Segundo Cuerpo) there is a large courtyard which is surrounded on all sides by platforms. A flight of steps leading to the north, which is flanked by walls almost 7 m (23 ft) high, opens out into another courtyard in which a heavily damaged pyramid stands.
The "Third Section" (Tercer Piso) is reached by a flight of steps supported by a supporting wall as much as 10 m (33 ft) high. On an open sunken courtyard stands the Sacrificial Temple (Templo de los Sacrificios), a beautiful five-storey pyramid. Its southern steps lead to a small rectangular altar (Altar de los Sacrificios), which it is assumed was used as a place of sacrifice. Along the well-preserved east wing of the courtyard extends a hall measuring 22 3 30 m (72 3 98 ft) with an oriel.
Adjoining the ball court is the impressive Votive Pyramid (Pirámide Votiva or Pirámide del Sol). This 11 m (36 ft) high restored pyramid consists of two storeys.
The buildings known as the Citadel or Acropolis (Ciudadela or Acrópolis) extend to the west.
Address:
Chalchihuites (Alta Vista), Chalchihuites, Zacatecas , Mexico
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