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Cotzumalhuapa
14.3814° N, -91.0186° E
About
The Cotzumalhuapa archaeological zone is a significant pre-Columbian Maya site located in the Escuintla Department of Guatemala, near Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa. Spanning over 10 square kilometers, the site flourished during the Late Classic period, approximately between 600 and 1000 CE. Notable for its extensive urban layout, the zone includes major compounds like El Baúl, Bilbao, and El Castillo, interconnected by stone-paved causeways and bridges. It features over 200 monumental sculptures, including stelae and altars, reflecting an original artistic style with realistic human depictions and complex scenes. The site also contains one of the earliest legible hieroglyphic inscriptions in Mesoamerica, dated to 37 CE. The Cotzumalhuapa culture likely controlled a vast Pacific coastal region, leaving a lasting influence on surrounding areas.
Gallery
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Historical Timeline
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Earliest Inscriptions
37 CE
Major Development
600 CE, 1000 CE
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Religious and Ritual Structures
Artistic and Decorative Features
Domestic and Habitation Structures
Transportation and Communication Structures
Frequently Asked Questions
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