Mexico

Chalcatzingo

Formative-period Mesoamerican site in Morelos, Mexico

Location

Explore the Map

Historical Context

About

Chalcatzingo is a Mesoamerican archaeological site in the Valley of Morelos (municipality of Jantetelco) dating from the Formative Period of Mesoamerican chronology. The site is well known for its extensive array of Olmec-style monumental art and iconography. Located in the southern portion of the Central Highlands of Mexico, Chalcatzingo is estimated to have been settled as early as 1500 BCE. The inhabitants began to produce and display Olmec-style art and architecture around 900 BCE. At its height between 700 BCE and 500 BCE, Chalcatzingo's population is estimated at between five hundred and a thousand people. By 500 BCE it had gone into decline. The climate in Morelos is generally warmer and more humid than the rest of the Highlands. The Chalcatzingo center covers roughly 100 acres (0.40 km2). Evidence indicates that this was a site of ritual significance. Chalcatzingo is situated near two large granodiorite hills in the Amatzinac River Valley, within an otherwise generally flat landscape. Its early residents likely sourced their water from a nearby spring. Chalcatzingo connected trade routes between Guerrero, the Valley of Mexico, Oaxaca, and the Gulf Lowlands.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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

Earliest settlement

c. 1500 BCE

Adoption of Olmec-style art

c. 900 BCE

Decline in importance

by 500 BCE

Height of occupation

700–500 BCE

Cantera phase monuments

700–500 BCE

Later regional peak (contextual)

700–900 CE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Public and Civic Structures

Plazas
category

Burial and Funerary Structures

Graves
category

Religious and Ritual Structures

AltarsStelaeCeremonial Platforms
category

Artistic and Decorative Features

MonumentsReliefsStelae
category

Agricultural and Land Use Features

Terraces
category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

HousesVillagesCourtyards
category

Environmental and Natural Features

Rock SheltersModified Caves
Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore

Plan Your Visit

Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information

Reference

Details

Country

Mexico

Coordinates

18.68° N, -98.77° E