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Guatemala

Bilbao (Mesoamerican site)

Mesoamerican site with Classic Period sculptures

Time Periods

Paleolithic

Paleolithic

Mesolithic

Mesolithic

Neolithic

Neolithic

Chalcolithic

Chalcolithic

Bronze Age

Bronze Age

Iron Age

Iron Age

Classical Period

Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Early Modern Period

Early Modern Period

Industrial Period

Industrial Period

Contemporary Period

Contemporary Period

Location

About

Bilbao is a significant Mesoamerican archaeological site located near Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa in Guatemala. It was an integral part of the Cotzumalhuapa culture during the Classic Period, with its most prominent occupation phase occurring in the Late Classic era (c. 600–800 CE). The site is characterized by its monumental architecture, including ceremonial platforms and stelae, which feature intricate ballgame imagery and other religious motifs. The presence of causeways highlights its connection within the larger urban framework of the Cotzumalhuapa Nuclear Zone. The site's historical layers reveal occupation from the Preclassic through to the Postclassic periods, providing valuable insights into the cultural evolution in the region. Despite modern encroachments, Bilbao remains an important testament to the region's rich archaeological heritage.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Bilbao (Mesoamerican site)

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FileBilbao_2.jpg
FileBilbao_Escuintla_Monument_21_detail.jpg

Archaeological Features

Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

Religious and Ritual Structures

StelaeCeremonial Platforms

Artistic and Decorative Features

MonumentsReliefs

Environmental and Natural Features

Artificial Mounds

Transportation and Communication Structures

Causeways

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's archaeological history

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Guatemala
Source
Wikipedia