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Huapalcalco
20.1170° N, -98.3624° E
About
Huapalcalco is a pre-Columbian Mesoamerican archeological site located some 5 kilometers north of Tulancingo in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. The site was built on the west slope of the "Tecolote" hill; the slope is separated east-west by a ravine that forms two sectors at the foot of the hill and two more on the top, all of which contain archaeological vestiges. The site depicts Teotihuacán influence, and some believe that Topilitzin Quetzalcóatl resided here, before governing Tula. Also it is considered the oldest human occupation site in the state of Hidalgo. It is believed that it must have been a very important civil, religious and housing center. It is known that it was the second Toltec Empire, before Tula. The city was of olmeca-xicalanca origin, or the first settler tribes of the great central plateau of the mountain range. The meaning of such wooden building is not known, it was probably built when the ancient native people settled; perhaps it was a building destined as a Telpochcalli, for military training, justice administration, or learning dances or music. Men passed through the Bering Straits 40 thousand years, 30 thousand years ago, men reached the Mexican plains and about 13 thousand years ago, men reached Huapalcalco in Hidalgo, where vestiges have been located that date back to that period. Huapalcalco is a mesoamerican classical period (100 to 650 CE), formed part of the State of Teotihuacan; however, both its architecture and pottery is not equal to Teotihuacan, i.e. there is Teotihuacan influence, but are not Teotihuacan. It is not known what culture built these monuments; it can only be said that it is closely related to the Teotihuacan culture and had influence of the cultures of the Gulf Coast.
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history
Creation of cave paintings
c. 9000 BCE
Tulancingo founded
645 BCE
Huapalcalco Classical occupation
100–650 CE
Toltec decline
after 1116 CE
Aztec takeover of Tulancingo
1416
Peopling of the Mexican plains
c. 30,000 years ago
Chichimeca ascendancy in Tulancingo
c. 1120 CE
Early human migration across Beringia
c. 40,000 years ago
Political reorganization under Quinantzin
1324
Archaeological exploration of Huapalcalco
1954–1959
Evidence of human presence at Huapalcalco
c. 13,000 years ago
Regional reorganization under Itzcoatl and Nezahualcoyotl
1431
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Burial and Funerary Structures
Religious and Ritual Structures
Artistic and Decorative Features
Domestic and Habitation Structures
Environmental and Natural Features
Astronomical and Timekeeping Structures
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit
Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information
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