Coatetelco
Archeological site
Coatetelco
This city was a dependency of Tula, attaining an important role through trade and religion. When Tula fell around 1000 AD, Coatetelco took its place in the west of the present-day state of Morelos.
Coatetelco was built on the shore of the lake of the same name. The site flourished most notably in the Late Preclassic, and was later linked to Xochicalco. After its period of domination by Xochicalco, Coatetelco became the region’s principal center. In the Postclassic it was involved with Tula, which is evident from the presence of a Chac Mool.
The complex includes pyramidal plinths, platforms and a ballcourt with stone facing over an earth and stone core. Associated with the ballcourt there is a tzompantli with a large quantity of stone “nails” which were used to pierce the skulls of the people who were sacrificed. There are vestiges of stucco in the court as well as in other parts of the site.
- Dirección del Centro INAHVictor Hugo Valencia Valeravictor_valencia@inah.gob.mx+52 (777) 314 4048Administración del Centro INAHSalvador Castro Gómezsalvador_castro@inah.gob.mx+52 (777) 312 3108, ext. 25801
Templo mayor
It is the tallest structure of the site. It has a stairway with two lateral alfardas that leads to the upper part; this is where the temple was located. The bodies of the pyramidal base are built on a slope and covered with stucco.
Juego de pelota
The ball game had a religious significance, as well as recreational and political purposes. Its structure consists of two platforms and a court. The western platform has three bodies and two stairways flanked by alfardas that lead to the upper part; it preserves remains of stucco floors.
Juego de pelota
The ball game had a religious significance, as well as recreational and political purposes. Its structure consists of two platforms and a court. The western platform has three bodies and two stairways flanked by alfardas that lead to the upper part; it preserves remains of stucco floors. On the right side of this platform, there is another smaller platform that is accessed by two steps.
The eastern platform shows several attached buildings that possibly were adoratories. Its importance as a ceremonial place was confirmed by the findings of collective and individual burials, as well as different types of offerings found in the demolished shrines and its stairways.
The ball game court is located behind the western platform, is one of the smallest of its kind, has a closed head and is oriented north-south; it preserves some traces of stucco.
Associated with the ball game, remains of a tzompantli (a place to place sacrificial skulls) were found with a large number of stone “nails” that were used to skewer the skulls.
Estructuras frente al Juego de Pelota
This complex is composed of the following structures: a shrine known as the Basamento con Ofrenda de Sahumadores where, during excavations, a female anthropomorphic stone sculpture and clay sahumadores were found; a circular base probably dedicated to Ehécatl, god of the wind; and the platform of
Estructuras frente al Juego de Pelota
This complex is composed of the following structures: a shrine known as the Basamento con Ofrenda de Sahumadores where, during excavations, a female anthropomorphic stone sculpture and clay sahumadores were found; a circular base probably dedicated to Ehécatl, god of the wind; and the platform of Xipe-Totec, so called because a stone sculpture of this deity was found there.
