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Guachimontones

Los Guachimontones (Huachimontones) is an archaeological site near the town of Teuchitlán in Jalisco. It is the major site of the so-called Teuchitlán tradition, a complex society that existed from 300 BCE until 900 CE.

The Teuchitlan culture is known for its distinct circular, step pyramid structures.

These pyramids are described as looking like a layer cake or bee hive, consisting of round central altars, surrounded by a circular patio space, and a circular banquette on which sits 4 to 16 rectangular or square platforms.

The connection between the Teuchitlan culture and the larger, older Shaft-Tomb culture (500 BCE – 400 CE) is blatant. Shaft tombs are found directly underneath the platforms in the Guachimonton structures.

Whether the shaft tombs came first at the structures or not is still under investigation. The connection between the Teuchitlan culture and the greater Mesoamerican pantheon is unclear, but there is evidence of some old gods’ worship.

The origin of the name

Background

History and Rediscovery

Teuchitlán Tradition

Societal structure

The Site and Structures

How to get there

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