The archaeological zone of Calixtlahuaca preserves one of the most impressive vestiges of culture Mesoamerican: he Temple of Ehecatl.
This community is in the Valle de Toluca, in the State of Mexico. Groups settled in this region Mazahuas, Nahuas, Otomíes, Teotihuacanos and Toltecs.
The town of Calixtlahuaca
Calixtlahuaca It is made up of the Nahuatl words “calli“, which means house, and ixtlahuatl“, which translates as plain. For this reason, this town was known as “place of houses on the plain“.
During the prehispanic eraspecifically in the preclassic period (between 1000 BC and 150 AD), groups with influence olmec.
However, by the year 250, the Teotihuacanos arrived at the Toluca Valley, among the occupied territories was Calixtlahuaca. The fact that this culture settled in the region was partly due to the resources that the area offered and that allowed subsistence.
It was the Teotihuacanos who introduced some customs and rituals such as the ball game, as well as the cult of Quetzalcoatl and Tlaloc.
Fall of the Teotihuacans
Later, with the fall of Teotihuacán, the Toltecs were introduced in Calixtlahuaca. These would be replaced by the matlatzincas (better known as “those from the land of corn”).
This community had its heyday during the years 1116 and 1476. However, the Matlatzincas would be conquered by the Mexicas.
In the year 1510 the Matlatzincas tried to revolt against the Mexicas.. This didn’t end well Moctezuma II ordered the destruction of the townso its inhabitants fled to what is now Michoacan.
Temple of Ehecatl
The archaeological site of Calixtlahuaca is located on the northern slope of the Tenismó hill. and it is the only known settlement of the Matlatzinca culture. Its ruins stretch for several kilometers with interconnecting courtyards with rooms on multiple levels.
Among the architectural complexes that make up the region, the Temple of Ehécatl-Quetzalcóatlwhich has a circular plan, unlike the square pyramids.
It is important to point out that Ehecatl It was considered as a manifestation of the wind, as well as being a manifestation of Quetzalcoatlone of the most relevant deities of the Mesoamerican pantheon.
TO Ehécatl-Quetzalcóatl He was also associated as one of the four carrier gods of the Sky, to him corresponded the West side. For this reason, by linking himself with the wind and the skies, he was the deity that attracted the rains over the Valley of Mexico.
Its qualities are reflected in the design of its temple, since its aerodynamic architecture allows it to welcome the winds of the Mesoamerican god. The doors to this pyramid represent the jaws of a giant serpent.
Other settlements in Calixtlahuaca
In this archaeological zone you will also find other ruins such as the Tlaloc set, which is integrated by two monuments. A tzompantli (altar of skulls). In the same way, it has a pantheon that has four monuments.
And you can also visit the set Calmecacwhich is a series of structures around the courtyard, very close to the Tejalpa River.
Do not miss the opportunity to know this mystical place that is located in the town of Calixtlahuaca, in the State of Mexico.