Tazumal

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Tazumal is a Pre-Columbian Maya archeological site in Chalchuapa, El Salvador. Tazumal means, "place where the victims were burned," in Quiché.

Is located in the heart of Chalchuapa in the department of Santa Ana some 60 kilometers from the capital, San Salvador. This zone is within the archaeological area of Chalchuapa, whose approximate area is of 10 km² and where also archaeological sites such as Pampe, Casa Blanca, Trapiche and Las Victorias are located. Chalchuapa is a site where not only influences from Copán arrived, but bears some stylistic elements more characteristic of central Mexican sites, such as are found at Teotihuacan and the "Toltec"-style architecture at Tula.[citation needed] The Tazumal site includes a series of ruins that were the scene of important and sophisticated Mayan establishments from around 100-1200AD, the site was constructed by the Maya. The site includes an intricate drainage system of waters, a few tombs, adjacent minor pyramids, palaces and ritual objects found buried. Tazumal had one long occupation, from 100 AD until the 1200 AD, although its greatest development corresponds to the Classic period (250 to 900 AD). At around 900 AD, the Toltec style pyramid we see today was constructed; also a grand game court among other things. Around the year 1.200 AD, the Tazumal site was abandoned definitively.

The ruins of Tazumal are considered the most important and best preserved in the country. The artifacts found at Tazumal provide evidence of ancient and active trade between Tazumal and places as far away as Panama and Mexico. The excavated ruins are part of an area covering 10 sq km (4 sq mi), much of it buried under the surrounding town. Archaeologists estimate that the first settlements in the area of Chalchuapa was around 1200 BC.

[edit] References

  • Atwood, Roger (Sep/Oct 2006). "Deconstructing a Maya Pyramid" (abstract). Archaeology 59 (5): pp.30–35. ISSN 0003-8113. 
  • Shook, Edwin M.; and Elayne Marquis (1996). Secrets in Stone: Yokes, Hachas and Palmas from Southern Mesoamerica, Memoirs of the American Philosophical Society, Vol. 217. Philadelphia, PA: American Philosophical Society and Diane Publishing. ISBN 0-871-69217-1. OCLC 35046509. 
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