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 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 and the early postclassic of Mesoamerica and constituted an important religious center of the region, its inhabitants were speakers of Jacalteco language.[2]
El Lagartero | |
 Guajil Pyramid on the island of El Limonal | |
  Shown within Mexico | |
| Location | Chiapas, Mexico[1] |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 15°49′39″N 91°53′02″W / 15.82750°N 91.88389°W |
| Type | Settlement |
| History | |
| Founded | 300 AD |
| Abandoned | 1400 |
| Periods | Classical period - Post classical period |
| Cultures | Mayan |
| Site notes | |
| Archaeologists | Thomas Lee |
| Public access | free |
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
editIt'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
editNumerous 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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