Mexico

La Campana (archaeological site)

Prehispanic ceremonial center near Colima, Mexico

Location

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Historical Context

About

La Campana is an archaeological site included in the Mexican archaeological heritage list since 1917. Located in the vicinity of the city of Colima. This site was the largest prehispanic population center in western Mexico. Site studies indicate that some of its features are related to the classical period Teotihuacan culture. Vestiges of Capacha phase ceramics, dating from the year 1500 BCE were found onsite. This site features the presence of shaft tombs, ceramics offerings, storm drain systems, avenues and an administrative and religious center with numerous monuments. The site was opened to the public in 1995. The Spaniards discovered the place in 1524, at the time it was known as Almoloyan.m or “place between two rivers”.

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

Historical Timeline

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Capacha ceramics

c. 1500 BCE

Approximate origin date

c. 900 BCE

Classical horizon evidence

100–1500 CE

Maximum splendor

700–900 CE

Spaniards arrive and name Almoloyan

1524

Heritage listing

1917

José María Gutiérrez drawing

1917

Miguel Galindo exploration

1922

Opened to the public

1995

Buildings discovered during later seasons

1996

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Storage Structures

Storage PitsGranaries
category

Water Management Features

WellsCisterns
category

Public and Civic Structures

PlazasAdministrative BuildingsRoads
category

Burial and Funerary Structures

TombsPyramidsShaft Tombs
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Industrial and Craft Structures

WorkshopsKilns
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Religious and Ritual Structures

TemplesAltarsCeremonial PlatformsSacred Wells
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Artistic and Decorative Features

PetroglyphsMonumentsReliefs
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Domestic and Habitation Structures

HousesCourtyardsTowns
category

Environmental and Natural Features

Artificial Mounds
Knowledge Base

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Reference

Details

Country

Mexico

Coordinates

19.27° N, -103.73° E