Time Periods
Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Time Periods
Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Location
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
Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Cotzumalhuapa
Archaeological Features
Explore the 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
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's archaeological history
Plan Your Visit
Details
- Country
- Guatemala
- Source
- Wikipedia
