Chiapa de Corzo (Mesoamerican site)

Chiapa de Corzo is an archaeological site of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica located near the small town of Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas. It rose to prominence around 700-500 BC, during the Middle Formative period, becoming a regional center. By then, its public precinct had reached 18-20 ha in size, with total settlement approaching 70 ha. Because of its position near the Grijalva River in the Central Depression of Chiapas, it controlled the local trade routes to the Soconusco region, and other centers in the area such as Mirador (not to be confused with El Mirador), Santa Rosa, and La Libertad. The modern township of Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas, founded in Colonial times and after which the site was named, is nearby.