The purepecha empire It is not as well known as that of the Aztecs or Mexicas, but the truth is that it was a large and prosperous kingdom that maintained a fierce rivalry with them. Not only did they always resist the invasion, they also came to invade their greatest enemy.
Little remained of that great splendor, but there are some vestiges in present-day Michoacán that you can explore to learn more about this fascinating culture.
Discover the archaeological zones that will lead you to discover the power of the Purépecha Empire.
The great capital of the Purépecha became a city of 30 thousand inhabitantswhich concentrated the political and economic power of the empire.
What stands out the most about the ruins found in the magical town of the same name are the famous yácatas. Are circular structures on rectangular platforms they are unique in the entire pre-Hispanic world and demonstrate a significant departure from the architecture that was popular at the time.
In addition to this large platform, there are five other small buildings on the site and a site museum where you can see some of the weapons, crafts and utensils that have been found in the area.
Beside Patzcuaro Y tzintzuntzan, ihuatzio It was one of the three most important cities of the empire. It is believed that the treasure of the Purépechas was kept in this city.
The buildings in the archaeological zone are very photogenic, as they present an elegant and harmonious architecture. The most characteristic feature of Ihuatzio are the huatzirior driveway walls. These are elevated roads that are believed to have served to delimit spaces and as paths into the city.
You will also be able to see an open quadrangular space that is known as Main Square. It is not known exactly what its use was, but it is believed that it could have been a market or even a ball game court.
Also Known As The NopaleraIt was not a large city but it was an important administrative and ceremonial center for the Purépecha Empire.
In addition to two rectangular-shaped pyramids, you can also see the ruins of a circular lookout-type building and the famous yácatas that characterize Purépecha architecture.
huandacareo it actually had two peak periods. The first occurred from the seventh century and had a clear Teotihuacan influence. The city was abandoned and remained so for many years, until the Purépechas occupied it in the 14th century.
Next to Lake Cuitzeothis archaeological zone shelters the ruins of what was once a funerary, religious and residential center for the Purépechas.
We know that the inhabitants had very elaborate beliefs regarding death, thanks to the offerings and the distribution of the elements found in the tombs.
There are three structures on top of a hill, which give the place its name. You can also visit a shrine and a central square.
Zirahuato (San Felipe de los Alzati)
Although the architecture of this place reveals that it was a population belonging to the matlatzinca culturethis town was allied with the Purépechas and this particular city fulfilled a very special function for the empire.
Due to its geographical location, on top of a hill, Zirahuato functioned as a lookout post that served several purposes. One was to control the passage of groups of merchants to guarantee the trade of products between the center and the West. It was also used as a strategic point for the defense of the territory.
This archaeological zone is located to the east of Michoacán, very close to Zitácuaro.
Fascinating facts about the Purépecha Empire
- They starred inThe largest battle in pre-Columbian Mexicoa confrontation against the Aztecs in Taximaroa in which the Purépechas took the victory.
- Unlike Tenochtitlan, the Purépecha Empire lived a slow death, since they decided to agree with the Spanish and share with them the leadership of the nation.
- The language of the Purépechas, the p’urhépecha (or p’urhe or purembe) is a mystery, since has no close linguistic relationship with some other of the indigenous languages of ancient Mexico.
- The Purépechas believed that the Lake Patzcuaro it was a portal to the world of the dead.
- At its height, the empire controlled the territory that today makes up the states of Michoacán, Guerrero, Colima, Jalisco, Querétaro and Guanajuato.