El Lagartero (English: The Lizardman) is an archaeological zone of the pre-Hispanic Mayan culture located on a group of jungle islands in the Lagos de Colón of the La Trinitaria [es] in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. In accordance with archaeological investigations, the site was developed between the years 300 AD to 1400, corresponding to the late classical period [es] and the early postclassic [es] of Mesoamerica and constituted an important religious center of the region, its inhabitants were speakers of Jacalteco language.[2]

El Lagartero
El Lagartero
A melting pyramid built over a Cenote
Guajil Pyramid on the island of El Limonal
Located on a group of jungle islands in the Lagos de Colón of the municipality of La Trinitaria in the state of Chiapas, Mexico
Located on a group of jungle islands in the Lagos de Colón of the municipality of La Trinitaria in the state of Chiapas, Mexico
Shown within Mexico
LocationChiapas, Mexico[1]
Coordinates15°49′39″N 91°53′02″W / 15.82750°N 91.88389°W / 15.82750; -91.88389
TypeSettlement
History
Founded300 AD
Abandoned1400
PeriodsClassical period - Post classical period
CulturesMayan
Site notes
ArchaeologistsThomas Lee
Public accessfree

The site stands out for its natural landscapes with abundant vegetation surrounded by lakes and the architecture of its buildings. The main group is located on the island of El Limonal and contains a ceremonial center made up of four stepped pyramids. The rest of the ancient sites, including altars, causeways, patios, stone structures and a ball court, are located scattered throughout the isles, which make up the place.[3]

Location

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It's located in the municipality of La Trinitaria in Chiapas, in Mexico, within a series of islands and insular areas of the Lagos de Colón and the Ciénega del Lagartero, the ceremonial center is built on the largest island, called El Limonal, and is made up of a plaza surrounded by four pyramids.[4]

Discovery

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Numerous burials, ceramics, figures with female representations that show the embroidery of the huipiles and headdresses used by women of the time, objects of jadeite, representations of aquatic animals and a complete stele that narrates a scene of conquest. Excavations have been taking place here regularly since 1993. It was in 2009 that a well-preserved stele was discovered here, which records the war between this city and a nearby city in the 11th century.[5]

References

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  1. ^ INAH 2015.
  2. ^ "Lagartero, Chiapas. Difusión INAH" (PDF).
  3. ^ "Mediateca INAH. Lagartero".
  4. ^ "Cultural information system - Archaeological zones - El Lagartero".
  5. ^ "INAH Places. Lizardman Stele engraved in bas-relief".