The Palace Group at Xochicalco, Morelos, México

Summary

Xochicalco is a hilltop site located in the mountain range of the western part of the modern Mexican state of Morelos. Archaeological investigations carried out in the upper part of the site between 1994 and 2009 have provided several breakthroughs in our understanding of one of the most representative sites of the Epiclassic period in Mesoamerica. The site’s major building complex, known as the Acropolis, is situated on the very top of the hill. Covering approximately a hectare, this group comprises ten structures interconnected by corridors and stairways. Excavations in this sector have provided multiple lines of evidence that have enabled us to identify this built space as a palace. Therefore, considering the location of the Acropolis, its architectural features, its dimensions, the recovered objects, and the evidence for a major destruction event, this paper will explain the configuration of this palace, as well as its implications and repercussions in the social space of Xochicalco.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 82nd Annual Meeting, Vancouver, BC (2017)   •
• Seats of Power: Functional Sectors in Mesoamerican Palaces

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 12139