La Quemada (Chicomoztoc): A Brief History
The history of La Quemada is both mysterious and perplexing, and recent discoveries which push its founding back to the 4th century have only added to this mystique.
La Quemada: Salón de las Columnas
The Hall of Columns is the most iconic of all La Quemada’s buildings, but the cavernous design and lack of windows suggests it had a sinister purpose.
La Quemada: La Ciudadela
La Ciudadela takes its name from its strategic and easily defensible location right at the top of the La Quemada complex, however it function was clearly religious.
La Quemada: A Defensive Fortress
The defensive qualities of La Quemada are clear for all to see which is why it was thought to be a Post Classic citadel. However, evidence now suggest a very different story…
La Quemada: Conjunto Pirámide-Osario
The Conjunto Pirámide-Osario includes the Patio Circular, a small sacrificial pyramid and a graveyard, and is part of a large religious complex that includes the Cuartel.
La Quemada: El Cuartel
The Cuartel was formally thought to be a barracks for the fortress city, but evidence now suggests it was a religious complex, with a shrine and celestial observatory.
La Quemada: The Ball Court
The Ball Court at La Quemada is one of the few typically Mesoamerican features that is found at the site, although there are still some anomalies which raise questions.
La Quemada: The Votive Pyramid
The Votive Pyramid dominates La Quemada’s ceremonial centre. It’s unusual design raised serious questions about how and why it was built.
La Quemada: The Sacrificial Pyramid & Level 3
La Quemada’s third level features an enormous terrace on which they built a large ceremonial complex that appears to have been dedicated to human sacrifice.